National Adoption Day
On November 19, 2021, the Montgomery County Probate Court celebrated National Adoption Day. Judge David D. Brannon finalized the adoptions, granting eight (8), children “forever families.” Adopting families, partner organizations, elected officials and news media were
all invited to attend this joyous event.
National Adoption Day is a national effort to raise awareness of the need of permanent and loving households for thousands of children in foster care. Every day in the United States, children who enter foster care as victims of abuse or neglect become eligible for adoption. Most wait at least three years before being adopted. Sadly, one in five children “ages out” of foster care without ever being adopted. Because of many dedicated agencies around the country, 50,000 children in United States foster care programs were adopted last year, and the Montgomery County Probate Court finalized approximately 80 foster care adoptions. There are about 408,000 children in foster care still waiting to be adopted throughout the country. In Montgomery County, there are approximately 200 children eligible and waiting for forever homes.
Judge Brannon stated “Adoption Day to me, is about education and transparency. On this day, court proceedings are open to the public to provide a glimpse of what adoptions mean to families and the community. Lifting the veil on confidential matters not only educates the public as to the needs of children in the form of stable and caring homes, but also that government is making best efforts to provide access to the courts.”
Several elected officials were present to show their support for the families. Representative Willis E. Blackshear, Jr from the 39th house district presented a proclamation on behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives. Representative Blackshear applauded the families and encouraged those in the courtroom on the continual need for foster parents. His aunt was a foster parent to 25 mostly older children. “The reason why she had a lot of older kids is, it’s harder for them to get adopted. She felt everybody deserved to have a loving and caring home.”
Also in attendance was Montgomery County Board of Commissioner President, Judy Dodge, who read a proclamation designating the day as National Adoption Day in Montgomery County. Recorder Brandon McClain presented the Court The Good Deed award and congratulated the families. Senator Stephen Huffman also presented a Resolution from the members of the Senate of the 134th General Assembly of Ohio. It was truly a remarkable event worth sharing.