JACKSON COUNTY, MS (WLOX) -
Fourteen foster children in Jackson County now have new families and
permanent homes. Thursday, the Department of Human Services sponsored an
annual adoption day ceremony at the Jackson County courthouse to
finalize the new agreement.
Love and laughter echoed
throughout hallways of the Jackson County courthouse as kids from as
young as 16 months to 13 years old celebrated the beginning of a new
life.
"In chancery court, we spend a lot of time separating
families. It is nice to be able to put families together. These children
have come through a tumultuous past and these families, in many cases,
save the lives of these children," Chancery Court Judge Jaye Bradley
said.
Kim Mansfield fought back tears as she prepared to walk in to court and finalize the adoption papers for her son, Jonathan.
"I
hated that my husband could not be here because he is in Japan, but we
are very excited about this. We waited for two and half years," said
Mansfield.
Minutes after the adoption was official, the newly formed family walked out all smiles.
"It has changed our lives and to know I have helped this child," Mansfield said.
New mom Tanya Grace also had the jitters before officially making Baby Tristan her own.
"For
someone like me, who can't bear children, it is a blessing," said
Grace. "Children come into your life for a reason. They are there so you
can steer values, goals, and so much love."
But there are still
so many kids in need of adoption. According DHS officials, in Jackson
County alone there are more than 200 children in the system.
"So
far this year, we have had 23 adopting prior to today, and with this 14,
which is great. But that is just a drop in the bucket. So, we are
recruiting for foster and adoptive families. We need people in community
to get involved," said Adoption Supervisor Shebra Hinton said.
These
new parents said by getting involved they are giving the children a
better life and a better chance for a brighter future. If you would
like to learn more about fostering or adopting a child, please call the
Department of Human Services at (228) 769-3444.
Copyright 2012 WLOX. All rights reserved.
Several families took part in the mass adoption at the Jackson County Courthouse.
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