Kern County Department of Human Services (KCDHS) Jana Slangle (Bakersfield, CA) – Please join us in celebrating November as National Adoption Awareness Month here in Kern County.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, the Kern County Board of Supervisors will Proclaim November, National Adoption Awareness Month in Kern County. This presentation will include a video, and testimony from an adoptive family.
Kern County’s 20th Annual National Adoption Day celebration will be held, Friday, November 18th, 2022 at the Juvenile Justice Center, 2100 College Avenue. The media is invited into the Courtroom for a Press Conference beginning at 12:30 p.m., which will be preceded by a very special adoption.
There will be 58 adoption finalizations occurring on National Adoption Day, at both Superior Court, Juvenile Division, and privately at Superior Court’s Family Law Division.
Once the adoption finalization is completed inside the courtroom, the families are invited to celebrate outside the courtroom on the lawn of the Juvenile Justice Center. This memorable day includes a BBQ meal prepared by our Kern County Probation partners. Families will be treated to La Rosa popsicles, interactive games, as well as a family photo at our selfie station. Children can enjoy a picture with their favorite superhero, and create their own unique stuffed animal.
Nearly all families sign a release form, allowing interviews and photos. However, some are more private and we will ensure you are made aware of those not wishing to be photographed.
We are grateful to our many partners which include, Kern County Superior Courts, Koinonia Foster Agency, Aspiranet Foster Agency, Kern Bridges Foster Agency, Bakersfield Angels, the CARE Foundation, and ALL the social workers and adoptions staff, who work diligently to complete the rigorous process of adoption. Most of all, we are grateful for all of the Resource Foster Parents, who step into this role, making it possible for children to have a forever family.
The amount of love and joy that radiates from in the courtroom from these adoptive parents, children, judges, and everyone involved is immense. By allowing the media into this personal part of these families’ journeys we hope to inspire our community to become foster or adoptive parents themselves.
For additional information, contact Jana Slagle at (661) 342-8054 or .
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