Big Idea

• Families completed adoption proceedings
• Children received a book, a stuffed animal and a handmade quilt
• Adoption Day was a happy occasion, according to Judge Young
• Read more...

Adoption Day was a day of celebration in Yavapai County

May is National Foster Care Month but on May 21, 2021 Yavapai County Superior Court Presiding Juvenile Judge Anna Young had her own celebration. Balloons and fanfare greeted the 13 children and their families as they made their way to Judge Young’s courtroom to complete the adoption process. Outside, the children met Dreamer, the miniature horse, and dynamic duo, Cody and Brent, balloon artist extraordinaire and unicycling juggler. Cody made incredible balloons for all those in attendance – children and adults alike! 

Inside the courtroom, the families received gift bags filled with swag and age-appropriate gifts from the Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation. The adoptive families had their photographs taken by professional photographer, Lonna Young, 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 provided by Thumb Butte Quilters and Mountain Top Quilters Guild. Extended family and friends were even able to watch the court hearings live via Microsoft TEAMS. Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Rhonda Repp was also on hand to join in the celebration and performed a few of the adoption proceedings herself.

Judge Young said, “This adoption event was such a happy occasion. I couldn’t tell who was having a better time, the kids being adopted or their friends and family who joined in the celebration.”

Quinci Castleberry, Yavapai County Superior Court’s CASA Program Manager said, “We look forward to Adoption Days every year. We love celebrating with the families who have provided these children with safe, loving, and permanent homes.” 

Special thanks to all of the organizations whose generosity made this event such a success: Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation, Thumb Butte Quilters, Mountain Top Quilters Guild, 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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