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Over 100 youth, 70 families celebrate adoptions in Ontario
San Bernardino Nov 27, 2024
A family celebrates their adoption finalization Nov. 13 at the Ontario Convention Center. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County
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More than 100 children form 10 1/2 months to 14 years old were adopted into forever homes on earlier this month during the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services’ 24th Annual Adoption Finalization Event.
The event was presented in partnership with the California Superior Court and the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court and featured 70 families who celebrated the finalization of the adoption process Nov. 13 at the Ontario Convention Center.
This year’s theme was “Making Campfire Memories with Forever Families” and aimed to capture “the warmth and lasting bonds formed on this special day,” according to a county statement.
The event featured activities for the families that included face painting, balloon animals, treasure hunts and a resource fair as they waited for their turn in the courtroom to finalize the adoptions.
Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, Judge Rodney Cortez, Judge Lynn M. Poncin, San Bernardino County Supervisors Curt Hagman and Joe Baca Jr., county CEO Luther Snoke, Assistant Executive Officer Diane Rundles and CFS Director Jeany Zepeda spoke at the event.
“Each congratulated the families on this joyful day and emphasized the significance of creating stable, loving homes for youth,” according to the county statement.
“Today, we celebrate children finding permanency and leaving foster care to join their forever families. This event also honors the village that made this possible, reminding us that no family is alone on this journey. Behind every child and family is a community of dedicated individuals who have played a vital role in supporting them,” Zepeda said in a statement.
Officials said the purpose of the Annual Adoption Finalization Event is to reflect CFS and the county’s efforts to connect children with permanent homes “when reunification with their biological families is no longer possible.”
More information about adoption is online at cfs.sbcounty.gov/adoptions-2 or available by calling county Adoption Services at 800-722-4477.
