AUSTIN, Texas - A cast of characters that included Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow looked on as judges created new families for 27 children, proving once again that there is no place like home. Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center stood in for Emerald City and was overflowing with costumed characters, stuffed animals and well-wishers as the city celebrated Austin Adoption Day 2009.
Travis County judges finalized the adoptions of the 27 children into 17 families that are well prepared for their new lives thanks to hundreds of donations from teddy bears to new books to personalized jewelry. The attorneys involved also donated their services to defray the cost of the adoptions.
"The real stars of Adoption Day are the families that open their homes and their hearts to children who just want to be loved," said attorney Denise Hyde, chair of the Adoption Day Committee. "But it wouldn't be possible without the supporting cast of attorneys, caseworkers, judges, special advocates and many volunteers."
The children adopted at Austin Adoption Day are among thousands across Texas who are in state custody because they were victims of abuse or neglect within their biological families. Adoption is the end of a long journey that can be as harrowing for the children involved as Dorothy's trek through Oz contending with flying monkeys and the Wicked Witch of the West.
"Adoption Day is such a great experience because it gives people a chance to see the happy endings that come after such difficult beginnings," said Child Protective Services Foster and Adoption Program Director Teresa Lockett. "Most children in their situation want more than anything to be part of a family that will be there for them forever. Now these children have that."
The festival atmosphere included games, giveaways and magic shows for children of all ages. Each child received a necklace or ID bracelet engraved with his or her new name and the date of the adoption, and each family received a print of a professional portrait taken on Adoption Day as well as a goodie basket stuffed with books, a handmade blanket, coupons, a special picture frame and a bottle of sparking grape juice to help them celebrate. Also, the families will be able to make sure their new additions are taken care of with help creating a simple will from members of the Austin Bar's Estate Planning and Probate Section.
"Our celebration of Adoption Day is our community at it's best," said Judge Jeanne Meurer, retired judge of the 98th District Court. "Local organizations, businesses and government have worked together to create, find and support true forever homes for our children in need."
Now in its eighth year, Austin Adoption Day is presented as a partnership between the Austin Bar Association, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and Court Appointed Special Advocates with the assistance of Travis County Juvenile Probation, the Adoption Coalition of Texas, and the Travis County Children's Protective Services Board. November is National Adoption Month and Austin Adoption Day is part of the nationwide effort to celebrate adoptive families and draw attention to the continuing need for foster and adoptive homes.
Across Texas, there are more than 6,000 children waiting for adoption, including nearly 200 in Travis County. To see some of them and learn how foster care and adoption works, please visit www.adoptchildren.org or call the Texas Adoption Information Line at 800-233-3405.
