HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. have proclaimed November as "Adoption Month" in Hawai'i. To highlight this observance, the state held its second annual mass adoption of children from the state's foster care system.

About 120 children in Hawai'i and 129,000 children nationwide are awaiting adoption, according to a news release from the governor's office.

The adoptions of 28 children by 24 families were finalized Friday during a celebration at the Family Courthouse in Downtown Honolulu. The celebration featured entertainment, children's activities, food, prizes and information on how to become an adoptive parent or resource foster parent.

"Every child deserves a loving family for life," Aiona said in the news release. "Through our coordinated and collaborative efforts, we are seeing more adoptive parents from across the state coming forward to provide foster children with safe and nurturing homes. By working together, we have helped the dreams of these children come true."

Adoption Month honors Hawai'i's adoptive parents for their kindness and compassion, while raising awareness about the need for every child in foster care to have a permanent home, said Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller.

"The number of children in our foster care system is at a 15-year low, but we still have challenges in finding permanent homes for harder-to-place children, including sibling groups, teens and those with special needs," Koller said.

Among the community groups participating in Adoption Month are Catholic Charities, Child and Family Services, EPIC 'Ohana Conferencing, Family Programs Hawai'i, Hawai'i Adoption and Permanency Alliance, Hawai'i International Child, Heart Gallery Hawai'i, HOPE INC, Kokua 'Ohana, Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i and Partners In Development Foundation-Hui Ho'omalu.

To learn more about becoming an adoptive parent or resource foster parent, call Hui Ho'omalu at 441-1117 on O'ahu or 888-879-8970 statewide.

The "Adoption Month" in Hawaii'i proclamation can be viewed online at www.hawaii.gov/ltgov/news/proclamations.