Eighteen Children Find Adoptive Families in New York County
Eighteen children, including four sibling groups, were adopted through Schenectady County Family Court in New York, the county announced November 5 during National Adoption Month.
The announcement also described the county’s annual Adoption Day celebration and a ceremonial tree-lighting hosted by the County Legislature the previous evening. The county presented the adoptions as a milestone for the children and the families making a permanent commitment to them.
County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes congratulated the families and thanked judges, court staff, caseworkers and others involved. He emphasized the importance of stability, support and opportunities for children joining adoptive households.
November’s national observance draws attention to children and young people in foster care who need permanent homes. It also recognizes adoptive families and the professionals who help children move through the process.
Adoption creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship, according to New York Courts. It differs from a temporary foster-care placement, even when foster parents later become a child’s adoptive parents. The court process establishes lasting parental rights and responsibilities.
New York Courts explains that adoption proceedings may be handled by Family Court or Surrogate’s Court, depending on the county. An agency adoption involves an authorized organization, such as a foster-care agency, investigating prospective adoptive parents and their home before the court considers the petition.
Schenectady County’s foster-care program supports residents interested in caring for children who cannot remain safely at home. Its public information describes adoption as a possible permanent outcome when a child becomes legally available for adoption.
Alongside the celebration, the county announced informational open houses for prospective foster and adoptive parents on December 9. Staff from the Office of Children and Family Services are expected to answer residents’ questions about participation.
The county listed a session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at 388 Broadway in Schenectady. The meetings are intended to help interested residents learn about the programs before deciding whether to pursue the process.
References
Schenectady County — November 5, 2026.
schenectadycountyny/news/schenectady-county-celebrates-national-adoption-month-ceremonial-tree-lighting
Schenectady County — foster-care and adoption program information; publication date unspecified.
schenectadycountyny/dss/foster-adoption
New York Courts — adoption information; publication date unspecified.
nycourts/new-york-city-family-court/adoption
