Thursday, Nov 4th, National Adoption Day will be celebrated in Austin in the courtrooms at the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Facility. While adoption finalizations can occur at any time, many families take the opportunity to participate in this event that celebrates kids, families, and happy beginnings.
The Austin Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) will ride in at 8:45AM. Bikes will be parked out front during Adoption Day, and at least one will be available for kids to sit on and get their picture taken.
Each adoptive family will attend a hearing in a courtroom where almost every flat space will be covered in happy stuffed animals. The judge will hear the testimony of the parties that this adoption is in the interest of the child or children, then, with a flourish and a smile, sign the adoption decree using a long feathered pen.
There will be a yellow brick road, people in costumes, games for the kids, snacks for all, and at some point, a news conference where participants describe their experiences. Volunteers from the Adoption Coalition, BACA, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as well as attorneys, judges, CPS caseworkers and media representatives will be present for the fun.
I can’t wait…
