More than 40 children are scheduled for final adoption proceedings that day
FT. WAYNE, Ind. (Nov. 15, 2017)—November is National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness about the value of adoption, especially of children and youth in the foster care system. This year Thursday, November 16 has been designated ‘Adoption Day’ in Allen County, a special day to celebrate and honor families who adopt. The Allen County Department of Child Services (DCS) and Allen Superior Court, Family Relations Division, are collaborating with local agencies to celebrate the adoptions of more than 40 local children. Adoption ceremonies will begin at 8:30 am at the Allen County Courthouse.
Special permission has been given by the Indiana Supreme Court permitting local media to photograph, video record, and broadcast the hearings. Two adoptive families have consented to have their adoption hearings filmed. Media are invited to attend these hearings at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Other opportunities will be made available as families throughout the day are offered this option.
Judge Charles Pratt, Allen Superior Court, stated that “Allen County was the first community in Indiana to participate in National Adoption Day when the Allen Superior Court established the observance in 2007. The day is important for the community as we are all given the opportunity to learn about foster care and the blessings of adoption. But it is far more important because more than 40 children will become part of a forever family on this day.” The new adoptive families will enjoy light refreshments during a reception, compliments of Indiana Adoption Program. Funding for books and other gifts is provided by the Indiana Court Improvement Project. Many other community partners will participate, including: Project Linus (providing hand-made blankets), Bow-Tie the Clown, SAFY, Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES, Fort Wayne Tin Caps, Fort Wayne Komets, and Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
The day will also include all-day showings of Allen Superior Court and Great KIDS’ music video, “Shine”, which celebrates adoptive families and puts a spotlight on foster care adoptions, especially of hard to place children (older kids, special needs, sibling groups.) Several Allen County adoptive families are featured in the video. View it on the Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLTv8Y8rPj2KlGHjeSsBDQ
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming an adoptive parent may contact Jennifer Savage, Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP) Specialist, Department of Child Services at 260-463-3451 x11710.
Photos from 2016’s Adoption Day event can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/allensuperiorcourt/albums/72157676773449985