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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES | 51

F inalization ceremonies were held in multiple courtrooms at the Larson Justice Center in Indio and the downtown Riverside Historic Courthouse during the daylong event. The celebration marked a milestone for Riverside County, as it was the first time 100 adoptions were finalized in a single day in the department’s 100 year history. During Fiscal Year 23/24, a total of 373 adoptions by relative and non-relative families of children in care were accomplished, permanently uniting toddlers, children and teens with their forever families. Individual contributors and organizations such Faith-in-Motion, which represents hundreds of local churches, Cake4 Kids, and the Riverside County Heart Gallery were on hand to ensure the day was complete with festivities and gifts for children and their families. From a child and family’s perspective, Sophia Williams, regional manager over Adoptions, says the most fulfilling aspect of the adoption is the joy of finalizing their “forever family. They have the overall comfort of knowing their journey through the child welfare

system is complete and a new chapter of hope and new memories can begin.” adoptions during Fiscal Year 2023/24 373 Superior Court Judge Charles Koosed, who presided over some of the ceremonies in November, said he hoped the high-profile day would inspire people who are considering adoption “to make that all-important decision to adopt.”

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Call 1-800-665-KIDS (5437) for more information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent.