Children welcomed to new homes during National Adoption Month

Two-year-old Niko officially joined nine siblings as the youngest son of the Thomas family on Saturday in St. Louis.

“He’s just a wonderful little boy and we’re lucky to have him in our lives,” Paul Thomas told KSDK 5 On Your Side, a St. Louis NBC affiliate station.

More than 30 children were adopted on National Adoption Day in St. Louis County on Saturday.

Adoptive mom Mary Thomas said her family has taken care of Niko since his birth, even through his various RSV infections and health conditions.

“(It’s) amazing just to be able to say he’s finally ours,” Mary said. 

More than 90,000 children moved from foster care to a permanent home on National Adoption Day since it was recognized in 1999. 

November has been designated National Adoption Month for three decades.  

In 1976, Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis announced adoption week in November, and in 1984, President Ronald Reagan committed Nov. 19-25 as National Adoption Awareness Week, according to Child Welfare League of America. In 1995, President Bill Clinton expanded the week to the whole month of November, according to Voice for Adoption. 

President Donald Trump continues the designation, encouraging Americans to support “children in need of a safe and loving home” and the families who “welcome them” in an executive order, signed on Monday. 

“This month, we recognize the profound truth that all children are a gift from God, worthy of love, care, and family,” the order reads. “We honor the parents and families who welcome children into their homes and provide the stability and guidance every young person deserves.  Above all, we commit to protecting children, supporting those who care for them, and strengthening the pillar of family across our great Nation.” 

Trump said adoption supports the American values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  

“Adoption reflects the deep value our Nation places on family and abundant life,” he said in the order. “As President, I am committed to empowering families who answer the call to open their hearts and homes to children.”