Ontario, CA — On Nov. 13^th, 92 children officially found permanent homes as San Bernardino County marked its 25thAnnual Adoption Finalization Event at the Ontario Convention Center, a celebration held in recognition of National Adoption Month.

Hosted by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services and the San Bernardino County Superior Court,the event brought together adoptive families, social workers, judges, community partners and elected leaders for what many speakers called one of the most meaningful days of the year.

Jeany Glasgow, director of Children and Family Services, opened the ceremony by welcoming the hundreds of attendees gathered to witness the milestone.

“Today marks a special celebration for over 90 children,” she said, noting the difficult journeys many familiesnavigated to reach this day. “What may have felt like a dream becomes reality.”

Glasgow introduced the judges who would later preside over the adoption hearings: Presiding Judge Lisa M. Rogan, Judge Steven Mapes, Judge Annemarie G. Pace and Judge Cara D. Hutson.

The program also featured performances by the Ontario High School Chamber Singers, recognized during the event with a plaque from organizers.

Adoptee Evan Ulloa led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

County elected officials and state lawmakers shared messages of gratitude and encouragement for families finalizing adoptions.

Supervisor Joe Baca Jr., vice chair of the Board of Supervisors, praised parents for offering stability and unconditional love.

“The fact that these 92 children are being accepted by a family, that’s truly a blessing,” Baca said. “Adoption is not only a great responsibility, but also a tremendous blessing.”

Assemblymember Tom Lackey reflected on the importance of permanence in a child’s life and shared that both of his children are adopted.

“There is a beauty in permanence,” he said. “We’re going to have 92 less wanderers because they’re going to be able to enjoy nurturing in a way that involves permanence.”

Glasgow later returned to the stage to address families directly, emphasizing the transformative nature of the day.

“Today we are finalizing the adoption of more than 90 children,” she said. “Behind every adoption is a story of resilience, hope and love.”

One of the day’s more emotional moments came as organizers premiered a video of the Avila family, who adopted their son Joseph at the same event in 2008.

Joseph, now 17, is completing his Eagle Scout project: crafting and donating 100 teddy bears to children being adopted this year.

“That little bear was a symbol of love, commitment and gratitude,” Joseph said in the video, recalling the stuffed animal he received from a judge when he was adopted.

He told families that the bears he created are meant to carry the same message forward. The Avila family joined event staff onstage to applause from the audience.

Presiding Judge Lisa Rogan delivered one of the final speeches of the afternoon, calling adoption day the highlight of the judicial calendar.

“This is the best day of a judge’s life,” Rogan said. “Adoption is what we come to work for. These are the days when our hearts are filled with joy and hope for the future.”

Rogan, who shared that she herself was once in foster care, emphasized the power of permanence.

“The importance of providing permanency for children is so important to their confidence and their self-worth,” she said. “Please do not give up. It is meaningful.”

As the ceremony concluded, Glasgow encouraged families to enjoy the activities throughout the convention center before heading to their individual courtroom sessions.

“Today marks the start of a new chapter filled with love, stability and belonging,” she said. “The sunset isn’t an ending, it’s a transition to something beautiful.”

County staff and volunteers then escorted families to designated courtrooms, where judges finalized each adoption one by one.

For the 92 children receiving permanent homes, and for the families who welcomed them, Nov. 13 marked a new beginning.