Family Support Services of Pasco and Pinellas Counties — along with our partners Lutheran Family Services, Heart Gallery of Pasco and Pinellas Counties, Guardian ad Litem and Youth and Family Alternatives — celebrated an incredible adoption day at the Pasco County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. The adoption finalizations and ensuing family celebration were part of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day festivities, returning to in-person celebration after a hiatus due to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the theme of #OfficiallyStitched, nearly 20 children found permanency through adoption as their forever families were finalized on Monday, with a family-fest atmosphere after the finalizations. Families received gift bags stuffed with donated gift cards and activity certificates, Xander Bunnies donated by the Lavender Life Company, teddy bears provided by the Tampa Rough Riders; face painting; costumed characters; craft tables; t-shirts by FSS; a buffet lunch and more.

Check out coverage of the day from local media partners, especially highlighting the incredible Rodriguez family. Jashira and Julio Rodriguez finalized adoption of four children on Monday, bringing their child count to eight — and they plan to adopt again in the future!

To learn more about adoption with FSS, click here.

• “It’s National Adoption Month: Local family adopts 4 siblings”: Watch coverage from 10 Tampa Bay at this link.
• “19 children adopted in Pasco County”: Watch coverage from Fox News 13 at this link.
• “Family grows by four as Pasco County adoption day ceremony returns”: Watch coverage from ABC Action News at this link.