“Welcome home!” What wonderful words. Not everyone has a home to call his or her own.
All too many children languish in the care of the state while waiting and hoping that someone will care enough to adopt them and give them a home.
It seems that every day we read about children being abused and neglected and forgotten by our system. The unfortunate truth is that there are more than 200 children in foster care in Galveston County as a result of parents mistreating or neglecting them.
Today, 22 children will be lifted out of foster case and given the dream of a permanent family because, for the sixth time, Galveston County will be participating in National Adoption Day.
In March 2004, Associate Judge Suzanne Radcliffe brought together a group of dedicated, caring people to help make the reality of being part of a family come true for our Child Protective Services children. Most people are working for free — the judges, the lawyers, the social workers, the district clerks and the court reporter. This day will bring joy to the children whose lives have not known much happiness.
We feel that every child deserves a loving, stable environment and that we are working to bring that stability to these children.
Today, we will have the legal ceremony and adoption party, including food, beverages, teddy bears, magic shows, petting zoo, gift baskets, face painting and balloons.
Moody Gardens generously has offered to host the National Adoption Day event again this year. The staff at Moody Gardens has said nothing but “Yes, we’ll help you” to every request. We would like to extend a special thanks to Moody Gardens for its generosity.
We also would like to thank Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough, the commissioners court, district clerk Latonia Wilson, BACA, CASA and the Rotary Club of Texas City for their help in making this day possible.
Sadly, most days, the legal system can’t bring happiness to children, but National Adoption Day is the exception.
There are still children remaining in permanent foster care in Galveston County. Please “open your heart and open your home” and consider becoming a foster or adoptive parent for these special children who deserve our love.
For information, call 800-637-3528.
Judge Janis Yarbrough is a member of Galveston County’s National Adoption Day team.
