More than a dozen former foster children legally joined their new families at the local celebration of National Adoption Day on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Hosted by Community Partnership for Children (CPC) at the Hard Rock Hotel, the event included the adoption finalization proceedings for 13 children who joined 8 families. Judges Christopher France, Joan Anthony and Robert W. Pickens, III of the 7th Judicial Circuit presided.

“Adoption is the final step for many children in our system of care because every child deserves a permanent family of their own,” said CPC CEO Karin Flositz. “It is a true joy to witness an adoption, which makes National Adoption Day such a special celebration of our families and one of the best days of the year.”

The adopted children came from the local foster care system. Youth enter foster care through no fault of their own but because they have experienced the trauma. Reunification with their biological family is always the priority for CPC and their partners. But if reunification proves impossible, the court can terminate the biological family’s parental rights, making the child eligible for adoption.

While National Adoption Day brought a bright new beginning for 13 young people, approximately 75 more kids in the community still await adoption. For more information on how to become an adoptive parent, visit CommunityPartnershipForChildren.org or call CPC at (386) 238-4900.

“There is an urgent need for more adoptive parents to care for our wonderful children, teens, and groups of siblings,” Flositz said. “You can make a difference for a lifetime by giving the gift of a forever family.”

Community Partnership for Children is the nonprofit lead agency that cares for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam Counties.