Mass. families adopt 244 foster children

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Dozens of Massachusetts families have opened their homes to more than 240 children as the state marks the seventh annual National Adoption Day.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services says 244 children found 183 new families on Friday as courts in seven cities approved their adoption from foster care.

Gov. Deval Patrick says the care and compassion marking the occasion give hope to many other children waiting for families of their own.

The families are in Worcester, Springfield, Salem, Pittsfield, Hadley, Cambridge, Brockton and Boston.

National Adoption Day seeks to raise awareness of the 129,000 children waiting in foster care to find permanent families.