100 Foster Families Celebrate IE Adoption Finalization Event

ONTARIO, CA — This week, an Inland Empire adoption ceremony was held at the Ontario Convention Center to celebrate over 100 children being adopted by their foster families across the Inland Empire. The children, aged nine months to 17 years of age, were officially finalized during the event, according to a recent report by NBC Los Angeles.

This was the 23rd annual adoption finalization for San Bernardino County's children and family services.

"Congratulations, you are parent and child," a judge told the room during the large-scale event.

The convention center was filled with tables where families and supporters gathered afterward to take in the special day as well as listen to speakers and share their stories.

Many prospective parents have spent months, if not years, overcoming legal hurdles to complete their foster family's adoption, according to Jeany Zepeda, director of Children and Family Services.

The adoptive parents and children have gone through a long process to get to the point of adoption finalization, she said. "This is what we do the work for, to make sure the children end up in a safe home that will stay with them for life."

Watch the video report of the adoption event on NBC Los Angeles.