Nine children were adopted into their forever families last week in Yavapai County
Big Idea
- Friday was Adoption Day at the Juvenile Justice Center in Yavapai County
- There were 7 adoption hearings
- Each child received a handmade quilt, a stuffed animal and a book
- Judge Young rejoiced at these events
- Read more...
On Adoption Day, 9 young children were formally adopted into their forever families
Balloons, balloons and more balloons. It must be Adoption Day at the Juvenile Justice Center! Friday, November 18th was another festive day at the Juvenile Justice Center for children being adopted into their forever families. Upon arrival at the Juvenile Justice Center, families were greeted by critters from the Itty-Bitty Petting Zoo, Dreamer the miniature horse, Chili Bean the Clown, and crowd favorite, Cody Williams, the balloon genius with QTentertainment. Families were treated to hot dogs, cotton candy, freshly made popcorn and other yummy snacks while they celebrated their special day with friends and family. Photographer Christine Beyea was also on hand, capturing memories for the new families to commemorate the excitement of the day.
Juvenile Dependency Court Judge Anna Young presided over the 7 adoption hearings.
Immediately after the hearings, pictures were taken in the courtroom and each child was able to select a handmade quilt, lovingly sewn by local quilting group, Mountain Top Quilters. Children were also able to select a cuddly stuffed animal and a book to take home, along with their own copy of the Dr. Seuss book, Oh the Places You’ll Go!
Judge Young shared, “These events are truly the happiest thing that happens in a courthouse, and we were so honored to share in the joy of the families.”
“I think this was our best event yet” said Dependency Court Manager, Quinci Castleberry, “everyone was having such a good time with all of the fun activities, and I’m always amazed at how the courtroom gets transformed with quilts, stuffed animals and balloons.”
These events would not be possible without help from many people and organizations. Thank you:
*Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation for providing the funds to create such a fun and festive atmosphere for our children and families
*Prevent Child Abuse Arizona for providing the Dr. Seuss books
*Mountain Top Quilters Guild for keeping us supplied with beautiful quilts to give to our children when they are adopted *Dreamer the miniature horse and handler Jan
*Laura Hamblin aka Chili Bean the Clown
*Our fabulous CASA volunteers and staff
*The amazing BBQ skills of Yavapai County Juvenile Probation staff
*And last but not least, Yavapai County Facilities Department, for all of their prep work
For more information about fostering and adoption go to: https://dcs.az.gov/fosteradoption/provide-permanency-child-through-adoption
Interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)? Please visit: www.casaofyavapaicounty.org to find out if being a CASA would be a good fit for you.
Follow the Yavapai Superior Court on Twitter: @YavapaiSuperior and on Facebook at Facebook.com/YavapaiSuperiorCourt
To learn more about Arizona’s judicial branch, visit www.azcourts.gov.
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