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Allen Superior Ccourt Celebrates 9th Annual Adoption Day

November is National Adoption Awareness 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 19 has been designated ‘Adoption Day,’ 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 approximately 35 local children. Adoption ceremonies will begin at 8:30 am at the Allen County Courthouse.

“Adoption Day in Allen County is truly a day for celebration because it gives children in our community the opportunity to have a forever family,” said Michelle Savieo, director of the Allen County DCS office. “The Department of Child Services believes that every child has a right to appropriate care and a loving and permanent home and on this day, that right will become a reality for many children. Adoption Day is also important because it gives us a chance to highlight the need for additional foster and adoptive families as there continues to be children that await their forever families.”

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 nine years ago. The day is important for the community as we are all given the opportunity to learn about foster care and the blessings of adoption. However, this day is far more important because children will be given their forever families.”

The new adoptive families will enjoy light refreshments during a reception, compliments of Indiana Adoption Program. Project Linus will provide hand-made blankets and Bow-Tie the Clown will paint children’s faces. Other partners include: Great KIDS make Great COMMUNITIES, Catholic Charities, and Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. Representatives from local foster care and adoption agencies will be on hand to provide information about foster care adoptions. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming an adoptive parent may also contact Jennifer Savage, Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP) Specialist, Department of Child Services at 260-463-3451 x11710.

Allen Superior Court is one of twenty-five Indiana trial courts celebrating National Adoption Day this year. Special permission has been given by the Indiana Supreme Court for families to record the adoption of their child and to permit local media to record and broadcast the hearings.