It was a happy afternoon in Starke Circuit Court Friday, November 5 as six families were granted adoptions in hearings open to the public on National Adoption Day.
The hearings were held virtually on Starke Circuit Court’s website where the families and their attorneys were present, along with Starke County CASA and Department of Child Services advocates supporting the adoptions of the children involved.
Adoptions are typically confidential, but everyone got to be a part the hearings on National Adoption Day to help celebrate new family members.
Congratulations to Michael and Stephanie Vanderhere on the adoption of Breanna Knight, Keith and Dana Shonk on the adoption of Imanuel Jo White, Kirby Trent on the step-parent adoption of Michael and Ava Weiss (with mother Sara Pillarella, Terry and Connie Bailey on the adoption of Alec and Kendal Bailey, Sterling and Tracy Patrick on the adoption of Terrence Young Jr., and Johnny and Kikila Miller on the adoption of Ellie Centers.
Many of the children’s names were changed which were reflected during Friday’s adoption process.
Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall presided over the hearings. All attorneys stated that Adoption Day is one of the greatest days as foster children are finding permanent, loving homes.
Additionally, CASA Director Connie Deal shared some personal insights on why she became a CASA volunteer. CASA volunteer Brenda Palmer told WKVI News that the families got gifts as a way to celebrate their new additions.
