More than 230 kids adopted during National Adoption Day in Monterey Park

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- The adoptions of more than 230 foster kids were finalized as part of National Adoption Day at Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court in Monterey Park on Friday.

Occupational therapist, Kathy Hughes, finalized the adoption of her 4-year-old foster child, Aiden.

"It's been such a long journey, and I've been waiting for this day so long," Hughes said.

Other families expressed similar joy over their new adoptions.

Chase Buckalew, once a foster child himself, adopted three boys with his wife.

"I've known their dad since we were kids, we were both in foster care ourselves," Buckalew said.

The father of six said he stepped in when his friend faced difficult times.

"It's emotional because of what the system has done for me, I wanted to do for them. I wanted to bring them all together and make sure the boys stay together as one family," Buckalew said.

He said wanted to set the same example he received from his own foster parents.

"They taught me what it is to be a good man and a good husband," he said.

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services continues to urge people to adopt, particularly children 10 and older, who remain without a home in greater numbers.

"Think of what they've been through and what you can take them out of. Give them the home they deserve," Buckalew said. "You could do something for these kids, and they need it."