In 2008, Bexar County led the nation in childhood adoptions and by most accounts, continues to be at the top nationally when it comes to finding children stable homes.

For San Antonio residents Patty and Rudy Ramon, it is a statistic that has brought them nothing but joy.

After years of heartbreak and setback of trying to become adoptive parents through private firms, including overseas, the Ramon’s realized something:

"There's babies right here in San Antonio; you can adopt babies without having to go anywhere," said Patty Ramon.

And the Ramon’s did just that, adopting 17-month-old Sofia last year.

Many in Texas regard Bexar County as a model of success when it comes to the adoption process.

"I think we have a bunch of feathers in our cap because we do a lot to either reunify families or to make new families.  I think that's why we do so well nationwide," said Irene Vela Cardena, an Attorney Ad Litem for Bexar County.

Cardena is a voice for the many children who come through the system. She represents their best interest in a court of law, often an intense and emotional job. "I really have to get to know my kids," said Cardena.

Cardena works in Judge Richard Garcia’s court.  Garcia was recently recognized nationally for his work in adoption and remains a leading adoption advocate.

He credits Bexar County’s record to quick action, so children are not held in foster care for long periods.

"We're averaging nine months. Back in (1988), when I was the District Attorney, these cases were taking years and years,” said Garcia.

He also credits Commissioner’s Court and the Bexar County Child Welfare board, who back in 2005, dedicated money to create positions solely for work in the adoptive process.

"The County Commissioner is bold.  The Child Welfare Board - they stepped out of the box," said Garcia.

Bexar County finalizes around 1000 adoptions each year, a large number even for a populous county that includes San Antonio.

As for the Ramons, they are glad to be part of that number and now they are in the process of adopting two more new brothers for Sofia.

A process for which they offer this advice: "Don’t give up.  There are many beautiful kids out there that need parents."