Big Idea

• 13 Children were adopted last Friday
• They celebrated with hot dogs, popcorn, Dreamer the Miniature horse, and Cody the Balloon Artist Extraordinaire
• Each child received a book, a stuffed animal and a handmade quilt
• Court hearings were streamed live for extended families
• Read more...

Last Friday was adoption day in Yavapai County!

On May 20, 2022, Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Anna Young granted adoption petitions for thirteen children and their families. Outside the courthouse, the families were greeted by Dreamer the miniature horse and Cody the balloon artist extraordinaire. They were treated to hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and more while they played with giant blocks, an oversized Connect 4, and a bean bag toss game. Kiddos colored on the tables and each of the families received an “I’m Here for You Now” photo album storybook. 

All of this took place under a giant balloon arch! Inside the courthouse, the families had their photographs taken by professional photographer, Christine Beyea, in front of fun backdrops before proceeding into the brightly decorated courtroom. After their hearing, each child received a copy of Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, a stuffed animal, and a handmade quilt. Extended family and friends were able to join the celebration and watch the court hearings live via Microsoft TEAMS. Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Debra Phelan was also on hand to join in the celebration and performed one of the adoption proceedings herself.

Judge Young said, “I look forward to these events every year. Celebrating permanency in safe and loving homes is the best part of my job.”

Quinci Castleberry, Yavapai County Dependency Court Manager said, “It is such a wonderful day seeing happy kids, parents, and other relatives run around with their balloon creations and quilts after officially becoming a family.”

Special thanks to all of the organizations whose generosity made this event such a success: Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, Mountain Top Quilters Guild, Dreamer and handler Jan, CASA volunteers and staff, Yavapai County Juvenile Probation staff, and Yavapai County Facilities Department.

For more information about fostering and adoption go to https://dcs.az.gov/fosteradoption/provide-permanency-child-through-adoption

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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.

Follow AZ Courts on Twitter: @AZCourts and on Facebook at Facebook.com/ArizonaSupremeCourt.