Gilbert Rivas, deputy director of Tulare County Child Welfare Services, urged the board to recognize November 2025 as National Adoption Awareness Month and outlined recent adoption activity in the county.

Rivas said the department finalized 147 adoptions in 2024 and projected 117 more in 2025, with 24 of those expected at the county's National Adoption Day on Nov. 20. The county proclamation read by Chair Pete Vanderpool also cites 120 finalized adoptions in fiscal year 2024–25.

"Families, no matter how they're formed, give children the foundation they need to grow, learn, and dream," Rivas said, asking the community to continue supporting programs that help children find permanent homes.

Board members praised Child Welfare Services and resource families. Chair Vanderpool and other supervisors said even a single adoption transforms a life and thanked staff for their work finding permanent placements.

The board adopted the proclamation and invited staff and partners to be photographed with the board after the reading. The county noted a National Adoption Day event on Nov. 20 at the Tulare County Superior Court; EspiritNet plans a community celebration at a local bowling alley.