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National Adoption Day

National Adoption Day - weaving threads of love, unifying souls and creating forever families. Celebrate the beauty of chosen love!

Saturday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESaturday before Thanksgiving

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYYouth

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars because National Adoption Day comes around every November 23rd! This special day is all about embracing the beautiful journey of adoption and the incredible promise it holds. Created in 2000 to raise awareness of the 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving homes, National Adoption Day has helped nearly 70,000 children move from foster homes to forever homes. It's a day to celebrate love, unity, and what it truly means to be a family. Together, we hail this poignant day, National Adoption Day - weaving threads of love, unifying souls and creating forever families! Get ready to embrace and celebrate the boundless love of chosen families.

TIMELINE

National Adoption Day Timeline

First Adoption Laws

Massachusetts enacted the first modern adoption law in 1851, recognizing adoption as a social and legal operation based on child welfare rather than adult interests.

Adoptees' rights

Minnesota passes first adoption law in the U.S. that prioritizes the rights and interests of adoptees.

Adoption Act

The United States Adoption Act is signed into law, which protects the welfare and rights of adopted children.

Adoption and Safe Families Act

President Clinton signs the Adoption and Safe Families Act, emphasizing children's health and safety in adoption and foster care.

First National Adoption Day

The first National Adoption Day is celebrated in the United States, inspired by the idea to raise awareness of children in foster care waiting for permanent homes.

Continual Celebration & Awareness

National Adoption Day is celebrated annually, honoring families who have chosen love by adopting and encouraging others to do the same.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Adoption Day

Participate in a community fundraiser

Join or organize a fundraiser to support agencies that facilitate adoptions. You can set up a sponsored walk or bike ride, hold a bake sale, or arrange a benefit concert. Every dollar counts towards helping a child find their forever family.

Share adoption stories

Listening to and sharing stories about adoption can be an emotional yet fulfilling way to observe the day. You can invite people who have been adopted or those who have adopted to share their experiences. This will help educate others about the beauty of adoption and inspire those considering it.

DONATE

Donate books on adoption

There are a lot of wonderful children’s books out there that depict adoption in positive terms. Donating these to local schools, libraries, and community centers can promote understanding and acceptance of adopted families among kids and adults alike.

SUPPORT

Support adoptive families in your community

Adoption can be a challenging journey. If you know anyone who has recently adopted, offer your support. Cook a meal, offer to babysit, or just provide a listening ear. Your help can make a big difference during their adjustment journey.

CREATE

Create adoption awareness on social media

Dedicate some of your social media posts to National Adoption Day. Whether it’s sharing your own adoption story, facts about adoption, or ways to support adoptive families, use your online platforms to spread knowledge and love on this special day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Adoption Day is Important

Raises Awareness and Encourages Adoption

The adoption process can be very challenging and National Adoption Day, brings the hardships and triumphs to public attention. By doing so, it raises awareness of the ongoing needs for adoptions and encourages more individuals or couples to consider adopting and thus provide loving homes for children in need.

Promotes Unity and Love

National Adoption Day symbolizes the unity and love created by the beautiful integration of individuals into new families. The celebration stands out as a remarkable journey that highlights the strength of chosen love, redefining the concept of family in the process.

Celebrates Forever Families

National Adoption Day isn't just about celebrating new families—it is about celebrating forever families. This day isn't just about bringing light to adoption, it's also about creating awareness and taking action for the thousands of children waiting to be adopted. It deepens the sense of joy and fulfillment by installing the happiness attached with securing a forever home.

Related holidays

National Adoption Month

This National Adoption Month, join us in spreading awareness and love for families formed through adoption. Let's celebrate the beautiful bonds created through adoption!