More than 70 children gain permanent families at San Bernardino County adoption event

More than 70 children officially gained permanent families during the 26th annual Adoption Finalization Event hosted by San Bernardino County Children and Family Services.

Dozens of families gathered Tuesday at the Ontario Convention Center for the celebration, which marked the completion of adoptions for children ranging in age from 8 months to 16 years old.

“The amount of love that these families show these kids are amazing and they’re all heroes. They saved the day,” said Jeany Glasgow, director of San Bernardino County Children and Family Services. “I think for all of us that work at CFS,this is a great day.”

For Priscilla Marquez and William Alvarado of San Bernardino, the day marked the culmination of a yearslong journey with their son.

“Happy, excited, finally! We’ve had him since he was 4 days old…he’s 2 and a half now so we are excited!” Marquez said.

Parents at the event said the legal finalization of the adoption reflected bonds that had already been formed long before the paperwork was complete.

“For me, since the moment I got her, that was the time I took her as my child,” said Erika Morales of South Gate. “Today makes it... it’s more of a seal like she’s legally yours, but in my heart, it's already bond when you get those kids in the beginning,” Morales said.

While the adoptions became official during the ceremony, families said the children had long been part of their lives, making the celebration a recognition of relationships already built on love and commitment.