Visiting dignitaries and numerous families filled the atrium of the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse on November 15 to witness the adoption of 16 children during the 22nd Annual Adoption Day, a joint program of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA).

Similar events were held throughout the country to celebrate National Adoption Day, which aims to bring more attention to the plight of children in foster care.

During the past year, 195 children—excluding those whose adoptions were finalized during the program—were formally adopted through the Superior Court, according to Presiding Family Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring. However, an estimated 200 children are awaiting adoption.