California Declares November Adoption and Permanency Month
The Judicial Council's resolution spotlights guardianship as a stable path for children who cannot return to their parents.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero signed a resolution declaring November 2026 Court Adoption and Permanency Month across California's courts. Courts have observed the month since 1999, and the resolution was presented at the October 16 Judicial Council meeting by Judge Ana España.
Why it matters
Guardianship offers a safe, stable home when reunification with parents is not possible, and the state is focusing attention on it as a permanency option. The declaration comes as California's foster care population has declined and guardianship stays have shortened.
Courts statewide are hosting November events in partnership with county social service agencies, nonprofits and community groups. Guardianship accounted for about 10% of 2025 foster care exits, with nearly half of those being Kin-GAP guardianships placing children with relatives.
The players
Patricia Guerrero
Chief Justice of California and chair of the Judicial Council, who signed the resolution declaring the observance.
Judicial Council of California
The policymaking body for the state's court system, which adopted the resolution declaring the month.
The details
The Judicial Council's Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee presented the resolution on the council's behalf. Children placed with relatives are three times more likely to remain in that placement after 12 months, and 70% stay with their entire sibling group.
Timeline
1999: Courts first began observing November Court Adoption and Permanency Month.
October 16, 2026: Resolution presented at the Judicial Council meeting.
November 2026: Month-long observance held across California courts.
Legal Context
Nearly half of 2025 guardianships were Kin-GAP guardianships, the state program that places children with relatives. The declaration builds on that program's role as California's out-of-home care population has fallen.
Families and relatives considering guardianship can contact county social service agencies, which are partnering with courts on November events. Guardianship offers a legal path to a stable home for children who cannot be reunified with their parents.
The takeaway
Relatives who are willing to care for a child can make a lasting difference, since children placed with kin are more likely to stay put and keep their siblings together. Families interested in guardianship should contact their county social service agency to learn about options.
Further reading
Explore more on Criminal Justice to see how California's courts handle child welfare cases.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gold Rush Cam.
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