PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cook County Circuit Court, DCFS host Adoption Day
Released On 11/16/2015
A one-of-a-kind adoption proceeding will take place in a Cook County courtroom on Friday as a brother and sister become cousins when they are separately adopted by two adult sisters.
The 5-year-old boy and 8-year-old girl are two of the seven children whose adoptions will be finalized at 10 a.m. on Friday in Courtroom 1707 of the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St.
Parents and children will be available for interviews after the adoptions are finalized.
The adoption proceedings are open to the public, so journalists are welcome to attend. The Illinois Supreme Court prohibits audio recording, video recording and photography inside the court during adoption proceedings. But photos and recordings are authorized inside the courtroom after the proceedings end; in the 17th floor hallway; and in the Children’s Room next to the courtroom.
This event will be hosted by the Cook County Circuit Court and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. It comes one day before National Adoption Day is celebrated in the United States.
National Adoption Day raises awareness of children in foster care who are waiting to be adopted into permanent homes.
Through this month, nearly 900 adoptions have been finalized in Cook County this year. Last year, the total was 1,009.
Today, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has nearly 1,000 children eligible to be adopted across the state.
“Every child deserves a supportive family,” said Cook County Circuit Judge Sharon Sullivan, the Presiding Judge of the County Division where adoptions take place.
“With so many children in foster care awaiting a family, it’s important for people to be aware that this avenue exists to have children. And there are also so many people who have adopted children and provided a safe and loving home. That’s what we’re going to celebrate on Friday.”
George H. Sheldon, acting director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, said adoption “is about a child finding a forever home and family.”
“The moment a child comes into your life is the day you truly understand unconditional love. Children ground us and help us lead fulfilling lives, and as parents, you provide our children opportunities in life once thought impossible. To each person who chooses to become a parent through adoption: Thank you. You are a hero.”
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