Massachusetts holds virtual ceremony for National Adoption Day

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — National Adoption Day, observed on Saturday, November 21, 2020, is a special time giving many families in Massachusetts and across the country a reason to celebrate.

Typically, there are ceremonies in courthouses all over the state, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, Friday’s celebration was held virtually.

That did not bother one growing South Coast family.

It’s been a long journey for 44-year-old Tara Pacheco of New Bedford. The single mother has been fostering 8-year-old Michael and his biological brother, Riley, who’s almost five since Riley was an infant.

“I got them in August of 2016. As of the 17th, they were in DCF custody for 1,554 days,” the new mother said.

The Pacheco boys are two of 71 children that had been in state foster care that have formally been adopted.

Earlier in the week, the Commonwealth made it official for them and dozens of other families.

“It makes it so exciting because I am part of Tara now and also I am in her family forever now and we will be together forever,” Matthew said.

That means no more worrying for Michael, his brother and mother and no more what-if’s. “You build walls around your heart all the time because you never know what can happen and you’re afraid to give too much or let go too much because it can be heartbreaking so to know that is secure is a cool thing,” said Pacheco.

A very cool thing for the two brothers who are now officially one family of three. There are 3,310 children in state custody still waiting for their forever homes.

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Cox Media Group