Thirteen children, most of whom are coming out of the foster-care system, had their adoptions finalized in Rock Island this morning, Friday, Nov. 22nd. The event was part of a nationally recognized initiative organized by National Adoption Day, an effort targeted toward raising awareness about the adoption process. Cities and communities across the nation coordinate celebrations, including Scott County.
National Adoption Day events have happened near the end of every November since 1999, making this year the effort’s 25th. Rock Island’s first time recognizing it was last year. This year’s event took place at the county’s justice center downtown.
Judge Norma Kauzlarich said she does adoptions almost daily, but most were saved for today. She’s presided over the event in the past, saying it’s one of the more pleasurable things she gets to do as a judge. She said this yearly recognition reflects something bigger about the system as a whole.
“Some people in the community view adoption as a failure somehow of our system—that we didn't do enough for the parents to be able to keep their child or their children. Not only do I view it as the success of the system, there are many instances where the parents make the decision to consent [to adoption] because they love their kids that much,” Kauzlarich said.
Attorney Steve Balk, partner at Pepping, Balk, Kincaid & Olson, Ltd., in Silvis, said adoption processes sometimes remain unfinished for six years. He said today signifies the culmination of a long journey for everyone involved on both sides of the picture.
“What I'm looking forward to is seeing some happy faces and closing some case files,” Balk said.
Jennifer Kincaid, another attorney practicing at Pepping, Balk, Kincaid & Olson, Ltd., said National Adoption Day is so special because of the distribution of necessary paperwork for families already existing.
“On paper, they are a family. They are their children, and no one can ever separate that ever again,” Kincaid said.
Deanna Carl, assistant state’s attorney with Rock Island County, said there aren’t enough foster homes, especially locally, in the country. Though that might open up a hole in the attention given to adoption in general, presenting something like National Adoption Day to Rock Island County only inspires more acknowledgment of the issue on a local level, she said.
“There's definitely a shortage nationwide, so having an awareness of this is always a good thing,” Carl said.
Carrie Belbo, guardian ad litem for Rock Island County, said she and her associates are always searching for foster homes willing to take in more children, whether it be short-term or long-term. The process is challenging, but she said this day shines a positive light on why trying is worthwhile.
“It's nice to finally have a day where it's just happy from beginning to end,” Belbo said.
This story was produced by WVIK, Quad Cities NPR. We rely on financial support from our listeners and readers to provide coverage of the issues that matter to the Quad Cities region and beyond. As someone who values the content created by WVIK's news department, please consider making a financial contribution to support our work.