In what one judge described as the happiest day of the year in Bartholomew County courtrooms, as many as 12 youngsters were adopted into their forever homes on National Adoption Day.
Local judges opened their courtrooms Wednesday to families who have waited years for the moment to adopt a new family member. And with the help of state adoption officials and local Department of Child Services caseworkers, local court officials set up a big party to celebrate the moment in the Circuit courtroom. Banners celebrating adoption were in the courtrooms, provided by from McDowell Education Center students.
Susie Hodnett, a Bartholomew County caseworker, was placing children’s books on a table outside the courtroom Wednesday morning, a gift from the workers who help place youngsters with caretakers and potentially adoptive families.
Adoption Day is special to Hodnett — she was adopted in Bartholomew County through the Children’s Bureau Inc. in Indianapolis when she was only 6 months old, and knows how special the day is for the children who found permanent homes Wednesday.
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“I had a fabulous childhood and a fabulous family,” she said. “I hope these children know they are loved as they continue to grow.”
One of the first adoptions of the day was for 4-year-old Lexi, who became Lexi Renner after being adopted by James and Brenda Renner, of Hope.
Dressed in a delicate pink sweater, sparkly shoes and a T-shirt that said “Wanted, prayed for, loved, adopted,” Lexi became the official little sister of Cole Renner, 15, and Noah Renner, 12, on Wednesday.
“It was a God thing,” Brenda Renner said of the journey that led to Lexi becoming part of the family. “She came into our life when we were not expecting it.”
Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin was clearly taken by little Lexi, who bounced around the juvenile court courtroom during the hearing, carrying a book while pausing to take selfies with her grandmother Linda Foster, Columbus, and her new big brother Cole.
“She loves books,” James Renner said of his newly-adopted daughter. “She can play with a book for hours.”
As Benjamin was pronouncing that Lexi was officially adopted into the Renner family, James and Brenda Renner clasped hands while seated before the judge and Brenda Renner began to cry.
“We’ve waited three years for this day,” Brenda Renner said of the moment.
Benjamin said it was apparent just how loved and cherished Lexi is as part of the Renner family.
“It’s fun to see when you know someone is loved as much as this child is,” Benjamin said. “I can see it in your eyes,” she said to the family.
The family took a photo with Benjamin to commemorate the moment, and Benjamin and Brenda Renner hugged before the family prepared to leave the courtroom.
Then in an impromptu moment, Benjamin leaned down to congratulate Lexi and wish her well and asked for a high five, which the 4-year-old enthusiastically delivered.
Benjamin, too, was a little teary-eyed after the adoption, saying as a judge she reads all the reports and information about the children, and knows how important an adoption can be to their future.
“This is a blessing,” she said.
The next adoption was presided over by Magistrate Heather Mollo for a Westport family who brought an entourage to celebrate 8-year-old Anna becoming part of their family.
Matt and Natalie Hunter were accompanied by about 20 family members and friends, including church family, to welcome Anna into their family. As a member of the Hunter family, she now has three brothers: Nick, 10, Aiden, 8 and James, 6.
The couple said they were high school sweethearts who met at age 14, and have been married for 11 years.
Anna came to the family as an emergency placement, but the moment she got into the Hunters’ car, Natalie said she knew Anna would become part of their family. “It was an instant bond,” Natalie Hunter said. “I put her in the car, and I said, ‘OK, God, your will be done. And I always wanted a little girl.”
Natalie and Anna wore purple dresses to the adoption ceremony, and Matt Hunter had a purple tie, as they celebrated the day with Anna’s favorite color.
“She’s the princess,” Matt Hunter said as he watched Anna twirl toward the book table. “She keeps the boys in line.”
During the adoption ceremony, Mollo asked Anna to tell her who everyone was who had crowded into the courtroom, which Anna did much to the delight of the crowd.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this adoption,” Mollo told the family.
Mollo told the group when kids who have been in Anna’s shoes — those in foster care — are asked what permanency means to them, they have a wide variety of answers.
It can range from “something that lasts a long time” to “safety and security” or “having your side of the church filled when you get married,” Mollo said of how children respond when they are asked about the concept of forever. It can be having a key to your house or a home where your picture is on the wall, the judge added.
Mollo then read the poem “A Chosen Child,” which speaks to the process of adoption and its meaning to parents and to children who are being adopted.
“We did not give you life,” the poem states. “Life gave me the gift of you.”
The extended family was ecstatic to welcome Anna as a member of the Hunter family. “I have a granddaughter,” said Ron Moore, Westport, following the ceremony. “My first granddaughter!”
The Hunters were congratulated by the large group, embraced again and again by the wellwishers who were also part of their church family.
“It’s a hug kind of day,” Natalie Hunter said.
Christine McKitrick, Anna’s case manager, was in tears as the adoption was announced as official, saying the ceremony brought complete closure to a case she had been working on for more than a year.
“This is what makes my job worthwhile,” McKitrick said of the moment. “This is what we do, and this is why we do it. I’m going to miss Anna. It has been such a positive in my life to know the Hunters and to know Anna. Without a doubt in my heart, I know this is where she needs to be — in this forever home.”
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To learn more about the Indiana Adoption Program, through the Indiana Department of Child Services in collaboration with the Children’s Bureau, visit childrenbureau.org or call for a brochure at 855-677-5437.
To view a list and photos of children who are available for adoption, visit adoptuskids.org/states/in/index.aspx, or in.gov/dcs/2737.htm
To begin to inquire about family preparation to adopt, email [email protected] or call 888-25-ADOPT.
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Thirty Indiana judges in trial courts around the state are celebrating National Adoption Day this year.
The day was created to increase awareness of the value of adoption. Agencies including the Department of Child Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, the Children’s Bureau and local adoption agencies assist with the event.
An estimated 270 children statewide are being adopted through National Adoption Day.
In a one-time-a-year exception, the Indiana Supreme Court allows media to have cameras in the courtroom to photograph or video the adoption proceedings for uncontested adoptions.
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