LAS VEGAS -- The dream for some Clark County children is to have a forever family. That dream came true for 47 children Thursday when they were given permanent homes at Clark County's 11th annual Adoption Day.
There are thousands of abused and neglected children in the foster care system with many of them waiting to be adopted by a loving family.
It's taken 12 years for Tina and Michael Halland to have a family. When they were told they could not have children, they tried to adopt in their native country of Norway and were told they were too old because they were over the age of 35. They quit their jobs, packed up their life, and headed to Las Vegas.
"We found out the first week, after he had gotten here, that this was the most adoptive-friendly state in the U.S.," Tina Halland said.
They adopted 2-year-old Demetrius and 3-year-old Angel who has Down Syndrome.
"They helped us realize that their were other kids out there that needed parents."
The Halland's were among the many families who finalized their adoptions Thursday.
Judge Frank Sullivan says there are many more children who have yet to get a permanent home.
"We have hundreds of children always in the system that are waiting for adoption," he said.
The Halland's say bringing Demetrius and Angel into their family has changed their lives in a wonderful way.
"This is our mission in life, to help those kids get a good life, get a protected good life, to grow up and have the chances other children have."
The Halland Family.
