New families celebrate adoption in Houlton

Friday, November 21, was crisp and cold as families gathered in the hallway of Aroostook County Probate Court in Houlton, as November is National Adoption Month and Judge of Probate James Dunleavy was holding court.
    Prospective adoptive parents and children, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, Department of Health ad Human Service (DHHS) social workers, DHHS supervisors, attorneys and others supporting the families crowded onto the few benches as each family waited their turn. There were seven adoptions, providing permanency for children from 18 months to 14 years. Judge Dunleavy created one new family at a time with a ceremony lasting about 30 minutes. Some were kinship (relative) adoptions; others were to people unrelated to the children. There were tears of joy, hugs and congratulations as each family exited the courtroom.
There are more than 100 children in Maine waiting for forever families. As we celebrate the new families, children are still waiting for the right family for them. Adoption isn’t for everyone, but since this is the month to honor all adoptive families and celebrate Thanksgiving, please remember those youngsters who are still waiting.
For our family, the addition of Jessica made us parents of 10 — one homegrown and nine special order. All of our adopted children have been in the custody of the state and are not related to us, although we have adopted three sets of siblings. We have been through the process five times, but it is always exciting when those final papers are signed by the judge. We are so very proud to welcome Jessica to our family.
It was a special day in court in Houlton and seven children have a new future. If anyone feels this might be an avenue for you, please contact the Houlton DHHS office at 532-5106.