Summit County proclaims Nov. 22 National Adoption Day; Children's Services reports 175 awaiting adoption

Summit County's Health & Human Services committee on Nov. 4 approved a resolution declaring Nov. 22, 2025 as National Adoption Day in Summit County and heard presentations about adoption activity and placement needs.

Judge (probate) described adoption ceremonies held in probate court and said adoption days are emotional events: "We had a family of 4, 2 sets of twins who were adopted by 1 family ... they were so happy they cried," the judge said, referring to a recent ceremony. Tracy Mayfield, director of protective specialized services at Summit County Children's Services, told the committee the agency currently has more than 800 children in its custody, about 175 in permanent custody awaiting adoption, and 64 children without a permanency plan.

Mayfield said the agency had finalized 52 adoptions through September 2025 and expected additional finalizations through the end of the year. Committee members and presenters discussed recruitment of foster and adoptive families, virtual informational meetings and public outreach, and the agency's family-search efforts to locate relatives as a first option for placements.

The committee moved the adoption-day resolution by voice vote. Presenters asked council members to highlight adoption needs during National Adoption Month and to help recruit foster families for children who are eligible for adoption.