Watch CBS News

Some Children Get Forever Homes On National Adoption Day

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- As families gather around the Thanksgiving table next week, some Baltimore families are making room for more, thanks to National Adoption Day. Dozens of courts around the country are making forever homes official this weekend.

Gigi Barnett has more.

Armed with adoption papers, dozens of teens and children packed the Mitchell Courthouse in downtown Baltimore. They're headed home for the holidays this weekend--permanently--as the Saturday before Thanksgiving is National Adoption Day.

"There is so much excitement here in the courthouse because they know within a matter of an hour or two that they'll be taking these children home for good," said National Adoption Day Chairwoman Erika Slater.

This year, the Bradley-Bell family is back. Last year, RaShaun Bradley and Konu Bell adopted Shawn and Aliya. Now they're taking Aaron home. This Thanksgiving, their family is complete.

"Last Thanksgiving was spectacular because we had new additions to the family. We did a lot of new traditions and now we'll have even more traditions, new traditions to bring to our family," said RaShaun Bradley.

This year, 25 children were adopted in Baltimore, many of them teens. The increase of teen adoptions is an issue the city and state have both worked on.

"I think that people sometimes think that these children are going to be difficult and they're not. They're loving. They're warm. They just want to be part of something bigger than themselves," Slater said.

"I feel good that I found my family," one little boy said.

With these adoptions, fewer children are in Baltimore's foster system. Now it's time to celebrate.

Organizers say National Adoption Day also brings awareness for the 100,000 children around the country waiting for a forever home.

Other Local News:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.