Children find forever homes on Adoption Day

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 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.

“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.”

For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.