Madison County Celebrates 7th Annual Adoption Day

EDWARDSVILLE - On Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Madison County Circuit Court held its seventh annual Adoption Day where 37 children were adopted.

There are many children in foster care who wait three or more years before being adopted. Three years is a very long time in a child’s life. Another sad statistic is that one in five children will “age out” of foster care without ever being adopted.

“The ultimate goal of any child welfare system is to place children in loving, stable, and permanent family homes. When returning to the parents is no longer a viable option, we are grateful to have foster parents step in and fulfill that role. Children who have had very difficult histories, can have very bright futures as a result of adoption,” Circuit Judge Amy Maher says about the program. Judge Maher is the Presiding Judge of Madison County’s Juvenile Division.

“Adoption Day is a celebration of new families, and a reminder that for many children the wait for their forever home continues. This is our seventh year celebrating this special occasion and we look forward to celebrating many more families in the future.”

In addition to Judge Maher, Circuit Judges Christopher Threlkeld and Dennis Ruth along with Associate Judges Angela Donohoo, Ronald Foster, Ron Motil, Maureen Schuette, and Justin Zimmerman presided over the adoptions.

Following the adoptions a celebration was held that included a balloon arch for pictures, balloon animals, a magician, face painting, crafts and an opportunity to interact with a number of Disney characters and superheroes.

For more information about becoming an adoptive parent, visit dcfs.illinois.gov and click on “Loving Homes” then on “Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent."

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