National Adoption Day
National Adoption Day, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving (21 November 2026), raises awareness of US children in foster care waiting for families.
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About the day
National Adoption Day takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and raises awareness of the more than 100,000 children in US foster care waiting for permanent families. A coalition including the Alliance for Children's Rights, Children's Action Network, the Freddie Mac Foundation and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption started it in 2000, working with courts and agencies to complete hundreds of adoptions in nine jurisdictions. National Day Calendar reports that more than 58,500 children have since been adopted from foster care on the day.
Courts and communities hold hundreds of events to finalise adoptions. Others learn about adoption, support families on their journey and post with #NationalAdoptionDay.
The day suits adoption and fostering agencies, family law firms, children's charities, courts, social services and family media.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday 21 November 2026 | USA | Set by a fixed rule |
| 2027 | Saturday 20 November 2027 | USA | Set by a fixed rule |
| 2028 | Saturday 18 November 2028 | USA | Set by a fixed rule |
Sectors this day suits
Types of business that could link their activity to this day.
- Adoption and fostering agencies
- Family law firms
- Children's charities
- Social services
- Family media
Questions and answers
When is National Adoption Day 2026?
National Adoption Day 2026 is on Saturday 21 November 2026. The date follows the same rule every year.
Who organises National Adoption Day?
National Adoption Day has no single organiser. Many organisations mark it independently.
When did National Adoption Day start?
National Adoption Day was first held in 2000.
Where is National Adoption Day marked?
National Adoption Day is marked in the USA.
Where do these details come from?
We checked these details against one source, including National Day Calendar: National Adoption Day. They were last checked on 7 November 2026.
Where this information comes from
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