Allen Superior Court celebrates 7th annual Adoption Day<\/strong>
\nAdoption Day set for November 21<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
(November 14, 2013) \u00e2\u20ac\u201d November is National Adoption Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. Every year since 2008, Allen County has set aside a special day in November to celebrate and honor families who adopt. This year Thursday, Nov. 21 has been designated \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcAdoption Day’ and the Allen County Department of Child Services (DCS), the Allen County Superior Court, Children’s Bureau are collaborating to celebrate the dreams of several foster children coming true.<\/p>\n
“It’s no coincidence that National Adoption Awareness Month is positioned in the month of November when Americans celebrate a time of thanksgiving,” said Michelle Savieo, director of the Allen County DCS office. “It gives us policymakers, practitioners and advocates a chance to say \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcthanks’ to the
\nmany adoptive mothers and fathers that help their children thrive by encouraging them to aim high, work hard and make good choices that will lead to healthy and satisfying lives.”<\/p>\n
Allen County Superior Court Judge Charles Pratt will preside over an estimated 25 foster care adoptions scheduled to be finalized on Nov. 21. Adoption ceremonies will begin at 8:30 at the Allen County Courthouse.<\/p>\n
Judge Pratt stated that “Allen County was the first community in Indiana to participate in National Adoption Day when the Allen Superior Court established the observance seven 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.”<\/p>\n
The new adoptive families will enjoy light refreshments during a reception, compliments of the Children’s Bureau. The Linus Project will provide hand-made blankets and a clown will paint children’s faces. Gifts from the court and local businesses, including the downtown McDonald’s, will add to the day’s festivities. For anyone interested in learning more about foster care adoptions, adoption champions from the Children’s Bureau will also be available.<\/p>\n
As a special feature, the day’s celebration will include a presentation by Josh Jank. Jank is a local nineteen year old who has been diagnosed with Hepatopulmonary Syndrome. He entered Hospice in August. He compiled a Bucket List that includes the promotion of adoption. More importantly he has
\nbeen on a mission to make a difference by sharing his faith. His M.A.D. List (Making a Difference) includes finding a family for a child needing an adoptive family, raising money for people who are hungry, raising up blood donors for the American Red Cross, and passing out 100,000 red diamonds – his symbol of faith and hope. He will speak at 12:30 pm at the Court House on November 21. The public is invited to come and hear his inspiring message of hope in the face of adversity founded in faith.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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![\"Download](\"https:\/\/www.aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Josh_Jank_Adoption_Day_pdf.jpg\")
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Download a flyer for the event.<\/p>\n
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