In celebration of National Adoption Day, 19 kids were adopted at a ceremony Saturday at the Wichita County Courthouse.
"These children have had a lot of unanswered questions as far as what does the future hold and we had these families today step up and say, 'We'll provide you with a family,' said Randy Neff of Child Protective Services' Foster To Adopt Program. "So for many of these children this is an end of a journey, but also the beginning of a new journey in their lives."
However, many of the children have been on that journey for some time, as they have lived with their new adoptive families after being taken out of their biological parents' custody.
A judge made it official at the ceremony, ending for some a process that had taken years. "It feels wonderful. It feels very wonderful. We're so happy to have them as a part of our family," said Jenifer Childs, who adopted two little boys and is currently working on adopting their little brother as well.
While emotions were high and the joy palpable, the adoptions stand as a reminder of a continuing need in the community.
"We still have a significant need for more adoptive families. In fact, in the state of Texas, we have over 6,000 children that are free for adoption and are waiting for forever families," said Neff.
