19 Children Adopted in One Day

Stuffed animals, tears of joy, and snapshot-taking aunties abounded at a festive gathering at the Santa Maria juvenile courthouse November 30, as 19 children exited foster care and were welcomed to the hope, love and care of adoptive homes. The event was part of National Adoption Month, a nationwide event that encourages people to become adoptive parents. 


“These kids came into the custody of Child Welfare Services (CWS) because of abuse or neglect,” explained Delfino Neira, who oversees CWS as a deputy director of the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services. “We work with law enforcement to investigate allegations, offer voluntary or court-ordered services to the families to try to make the home safe for the child, and arrange for new homes for those kids who can’t safely return home.”

The adoptive families waited patiently as Presiding Judge Arthur Garcia made the adoptions official one-by-one. Some families had been waiting a long time already for this moment—the process respects the rights of birth parents, so there may twists and delays on the road to adoption. When the adoptions were complete, there was celebration, cake, and loving arms.

In a typical year for CWS, about 4000 referrals of potential abuse or neglect are received; 2500 are investigated; 350 children are placed in protective custody; 700 families receive services; and 60-100 children are placed in new adoptive homes. About 40% of those adoptions are by relatives. This year, CWS staff are on track to surpass projections and complete approximately 120 adoptions. "Despite all the budget turmoil, our staff continues to ensure the protection of children in the home, and when that is not possible, find them adoptive homes quickly and efficiently," said Neira.

To learn more about CWS, and how you can be a foster or adoptive parent, visit the CWS webpage.