Mass Adoption Ceremonies held for National Adoption Awareness Month

Fifty-three children in Southwest Florida now have their forever homes. Ceremonies for National Adoption Awareness Month were held during November in Charlotte, Collier, and Lee counties

The adoption finalization hearings began for ten children on Monday, November 15th, 2021 in Charlotte County with Judge Mary Evans. Among those adopted were a sibling group of four, ranging from ages 9-14. Adoption finalizations are typically closed hearings, but in November the Children’s Network schedules open hearings where all of the adoptive families participate together.

“It is very exciting for us as Unified Family Court judges because this is the good stuff that we do,” said Judge Evans.

Hearings continued on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 when 11 children had their finalization hearings at the Collier County Courthouse with Judge Shannon McFee presiding.

“A child needs to have love, needs to have stability, and needs to have trust,” said Judge Shannon McFee. “The story of the most successful children is having one trustworthy loving adult in their life and these children have that.”

The final ceremony was held on National Adoption Day which was Saturday, November 20th, 2021, at the Lee County Courthouse with Judge Gilberto Perez. Twenty-eight children were legally adopted into 21 families. Among those adopted were a 17- year old, four sibling groups, and a toddler.

National Adoption Day is a collaborative effort with the Department of Children and Families, attorneys at Children’s Legal Services, the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Lutheran Services, Children’s Network, and everyone in the court system including case management, the clerk’s office and the Sheriff’s Office deputies.

“It was an honor and a privilege to spend Saturday morning helping 28 children officially become a part of the family in their forever home,” said Judge Gilberto Perez. “For many of the families, this was the final step in a long road through the court system. I was grateful to be a part of that final step before they start their lives as a legal family.”

Following the ceremonies there were receptions which included food, face painting and gifts for the children.

The Children’s Network of SWFL is the lead agency for child welfare in Southwest Florida. Since 2004, they have been responsible for recruiting and supporting prospective adoptive parents and have finalized over 2535 adoptions. As of writing there are 227 children waiting for adoption. Interested families can contact the agency at 1-855-933-KIDS to learn what is needed to get involved.

LOCAL NEWS COVERAGE:
Collier County families celebrate after completing adoption process
Families celebrate new beginnings in a Charlotte County courtroom