Just in time for the holiday season, 12 children joined eight Chicago-area families at the Daley Center in a National Adoption Day celebration.
“Let me welcome you to the happiest day in any court,” Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans said.
This year the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) filed a record 2,400 adoptions in Illinois.
“At any given point there’s about 3,000 kids in Illinois who are waiting for adoption, so this is really, really important,” said DCFS director Heidi Mueller.
Eager families packed a Cook County courtroom for the celebratory ceremony.
Ellen Goldblatt worked for nearly six years to adopt her two children, twins Ricky and Rakayla.
“Ricky and Rakayla came to live with me when they were 15 months old, and it’s been a long journey and we feel really lucky that we’re here,” Goldblatt told NBC Chicago. “It’s going to feel like our family is complete.”
Ricky and Rakayla said they feel happy to be adopted and know how hard their mom worked to make it happen.
They aren’t the only family adding a permanent fixture to their Thanksgiving table this year.
“About three years ago my mom passed away,” said 16-year-old Sofia Aguilar, who is getting adopted by her aunt and uncle. “Now it’ll be three years and I’m getting adopted by them. I feel really, really grateful.”
Those interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents can find more information on the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services website.
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