National Adoption Day Celebrated By Denver Courts

DENVER – The Denver County Courts will celebrate their 13th National Adoption Day Nov. 16 with 47 children united with 34 families in courtrooms of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse. Judicial districts across the state are holding special Adoption Day celebrations in November where judges and court magistrates finalize the adoptions of 159 foster children into permanent families.

Colorado is currently home to an additional 276 children waiting for permanent families, a statement from the Colorado Judicial Dept. said.

“The celebration of National Adoption Day in Colorado is an ever-growing event and I am proud to see so many courts participating to bring children and families together to find their happily ever after,” said Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nancy E. Rice.

In Denver, the judges participating are Denver Juvenile Court Judges Donna Schmalberger and Laurie Clark; Denver District Court Judge Jay Grant and Magistrates Howard Bartlett, Melanie Gilbert and Lord Blegen.

The Colorado Dept. of Human Services and non-profits such as COForKids.org share resources for families wanting to find out more about adopting foster children.
Adults who are interested in adopting a foster child must first become certified as a foster parent. You must be at least 21 or older, pass a background check, complete training and receive a home study. Foster parents "must be able to use sound judgment like a prudent parent and demonstrate a responsible, stable and emotionally mature lifestyle," according to the Colorado Dept. of Human Services.

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