Every year for National Adoption Day, the County Division holds a ceremony at the Daley Center celebrating adoptive families and bringing attention to the importance of adoption. During the ceremony, families have their adoption cases finalized and the children being adopted receive special gifts from social services agencies in Chicago.
There were a dozen children who had their adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day this year, including the daughter of a CVLS family! Our clients, Maria and Victor, adopted their 16-year-old niece, Sofia. They took Sofia in two and a half years ago after Sofia’s mom tragically passed away.
Presiding Judge Kirby shared a letter that Sofia had written to her about why she wanted to be adopted by her aunt and uncle. Sofia then gave Judge Kirby flowers, which was the first time an adoptee had ever given Judge Kirby a gift. There was not a dry eye in the entire courtroom.
While waiting in line to get a certified copy of the adoption judgment, Maria thanked us for being patient with her and for helping her though this complicated process. Maria and Victor gifted the office a handmade box of snacks, teas, and coffees for everyone to share.
Judge Kirby noted in her remarks that CVLS has completed over 1,000 pro bono adoptions since 1990. We are very proud of Sofia and her family, and for being able to do this meaningful work.
