17th Judicial Circuit Court to Celebrate National Adoption Month In 1995, November was proclaimed to be National Adoption Month. The month includes National Adoption Day, the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving, when many families decide to finalize their adoptions. Since 2004, 392 children in Winnebago County finalized their adoptions on National Adoption Day. In light of the pandemic, Chief Judge Eugene G. Doherty announces that the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, will celebrate National Adoption Month. National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day are collective national efforts to raise awareness to the more than 120,000 children in foster care that are ready for adoption and waiting for a family. Those personally appearing at the courthouse to finalize an adoption throughout the month of November will receive a small National Adoption Month remembrance token. We also invite families to a family photo area made available at our Juvenile Justice Center in Winnebago County, just prior to passing through Security. Chief Judge Doherty stated, “This is our 17th year celebrating with the children who have found their ‘forever’ homes and bringing awareness to the children in foster care waiting for permanent homes. The courts have a great, but limited, responsibility to support and protect our youth, and it is truly a privilege to be a part of celebratory moments.” If you are involved in an adoption occurring in November in either Winnebago County or Boone County and wish to participate, please contact Kim Ackmann at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. PDF of Press Release
