MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. -- It was a special day at the Mecklenburg County courthouse where kids and their new families took part in National Adoption Day.

The event honored 134 children who received their official adoption decree within the last 12 months.

Proudly wearing badges that read "adoptive parent," they were excited to celebrate this special moment with so many others who have done the same thing.

"It's an awesome experience that they want to open up their home and provide a loving, supportive space for a child considering where they came from," said adoptive parent Yameka Jackson Williams.

Mecklenburg Youth and Family Services reports there are 566 children currently in foster care.

One-hundred of them have a goal of adoption.