AUSTIN, Texas — The search for six children’s forever families finally came to an end Thursday, as they were all adopted in a Travis County court for “Austin Adoption Day.”
Austin Adoption Day is one celebration out of many that happen every November for National Adoption Month, to raise awareness for the need for adoptive families.
“In every state in the United States and all over the state of Texas, adoptions are occurring as part of National Adoption Day,” Austin attorney Denise Hyde said.
Last year, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) reported that 4,181 children were adopted, including 136 in Travis County. But statewide, there were still 2,224 children waiting to find a forever home.
“No matter if a child is seven or 17, the truth remains: children never outgrow the need for a family,” said Patricia Rocha, a supervisor for the DFPS.
On Thursday, Daryl Horton and his wife, Shalonda, finally got what they have been praying for for two decades. They adopted their 12-year-old daughter, Eshana.
“Eshana, you’re a gift,” Shalonda Horton said. “We’ve been waiting 25 years for you.”
It was an emotional adoption ceremony as family, friends and supporters filled the courtroom with smiles and tears, all dressed in purple, Eshana’s favorite color.
"It's always great to know you have a village around you, and this is just one of those great moments I hope she'll remember [for] the rest of her life,” Daryl Horton said.
After Travis County Judge Aurora Martinez Jones granted the adoption and official name change for Eshana, she was able to bang the gavel, certifying the finalization of her adoption and her new forever home.
“Seeing her expression when she hit that gavel, it’s speechless, I don’t know what to say. Just joy,” Shalonda Horton said.
The Hortons said now they’re just looking forward to a normal life with their daughter – going on family vacations, watching her go through school and growing up.
“I am looking forward to seeing what [an] amazing woman she’s going to be,” Shalonda Horton said. “Just becoming who she’s meant to be, I’m excited. I don’t know what it’s going to be, but I get to be part of that journey.”
Five other children also found their forever families on Thursday. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent to adopt or just learning more, you can find information on DFPS's website.
KVUE also shines a spotlight on a child in Texas foster care each week as part of our Forever Families series.