TOPEKA, Kan. - Nationwide, 129,000 children are in foster care, waiting to be adopted. On Saturday, National Adoption Day, Kansans helped reduce that number.

Janet Elrod adopted three children on Saturday.

"It's been a joy, it really has and I know in all the years to come, they are going to bring us even more joy," Elrod said.

Elrod adopted her grandson, Damarion, and his two sisters, Amarionia and Aireonia.

With the help of KVC Behavioral HealthCare, 22 children were adopted by 15 families at the Shawnee County Courthouse Saturday.

"Kids grow best in homes, and not in facilities, or institutions or anything like that," Kyle Kessler, Vice President for Administrative and Governmental Affairs at KVC, said. "But to have a safe, loving, nurturing home is the best way for a child to be raised."

Elrod's husband, Alvin Elrod, is also adopting the children. He could not attend the ceremony, but he left behind a letter saying that he would would "do anything" for the children.

"We both have spoiled the kids but lord, sometimes, it's like, he [Alvin Elrod] spoils them more especially this one [Damorion] and that's been his right hand man," Elrod said.

"I'm just so happy that its all over and I know it's not really over but, I know it's just the beginning, really," Elrod said.

According to KVC, there are still 800 children in Kansas waiting for adoption. You can find information about those children by visiting www.kvc.org.