In November, many of us will gather with our families and give thanks for our loved ones and the good things in our lives. However, hundreds of foster children here in our state and our community cannot share fully in that celebration — they have no permanent homes for which to be thankful. 

In Washington, more than 8,800 children are in foster care, and nearly 1,600 have permanently lost their parents and are waiting for families to adopt them.

The Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Grays Harbor County Superior Court encourages the community to learn about these children, and about adoption.

Therefore, on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Grays Harbor County Superior Court located in Montesano, from 2 to 5 p.m. we will gather to celebrate National Adoption Day, to raise awareness of how many children are in need of foster care and waiting for a family to adopt them.

Under the auspices of the Foster Care Commissioner, Department of Social and Health Services, the Superior Court Judges’ Association, the Northwest Adoption Exchange and the Washington State Bar Association, Washington State has participated in this celebration for 14 years.

It is my sincere pleasure to invite anyone interested in adoption or learning more about adoption to join us, and help us make this a wonderful celebration for our community.

Aminta Spencer

Grays Harbor Superior Court Administrator