National Adoption Month Celebrated With a Special Event at Courthouse

tissues to dry his eyes.

“We see a lot of ugly things in this courtroom,” Steinhauser said. “But this is one of the beautiful things.”

In front of a large crowd of extended family and friends, Jonathan and Amanda Jarvis officially adopted two-yearold Andy Christian Jarvis Thursday.

“We’re excited, we’re nervous,” Amanda said before the hearing. “It’s a new forever.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” Jonathan said. “We’ve had him 486 days (as a foster child) and we’re happy to follow through with this adoption.”

The Jarvis family currently living in College Station but is planning a move to Schulenburg.

Andy’s adoption was part of a celebration at the courthouse in La Grange as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services cel-ebrated National Adoption Month in Fayette County for the first time.

Each November, cities, states, and counties throughout the United States recognize National Adoption Month dedicated to celebrating adoptions and highlighting the need for adoptive families. But this was the first time for such a celebration here as snacks and balloons and a big turnout of state employees from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) showed up for the event and adoption hearing.

“We are so excited about Fayette County’s first Adoption Day,” said Erin Smith, Adoption Prep Supervisor. “These kids are finding permanency. This is the light at the end of the tunnel after all the work that’s been done.”

Judge Steinhauser, during the adoption hearing, talked to experts on Andy’s situation, who whole-heartedly recommended Jonathan and Amanda as adoptive parents for him.

Then the judge interviewed Jonathan andAmanda.

“I didn’t birth him, but he’s mine,” Amanda told the judge.

Later in the hearing, the judge turned to Andy’s four new sisters, Jolene (14), Jessa (12), Janie (8) and Jaclyn (5).

“You sure abut this? How about a puppy instead?” the Judge laughed.

But the girls wanted a new brother, and after the judge made the adoption official, that’s what they had as Jonathan held upAndy as everyone applauded.

DFPS Media Relations Specialist Mark Wilson, who was on hand for Thursday’s hearing said DFPS staff constantly search for adoptive parents who are willing to open their hearts and homes for children of all ages -- from newborn babies to teenagers. Some of these children have special medical, physical, or emotional needs, but their biggest need is that of a loving, forever home.

“Every year, thousands of children in Texas find their forever homes with families who provide all of the comfort, support, and love they have spent years searching for,” said Wilson. “However, there still are many more children across Central Texas searching for a forever family.”

At the end of the most recent fiscal year, DFPS saw 4,127 children adopted, including nine in Fayette County. Statewide, there were 2,263 children still waiting to find permanent adoptive homes.

Throughout Fiscal Year 2021, seven children in Fayette County and approximately 9,945 in Texas were removed from their homes as a result of abuse or neglect.

Of the children available for adoption statewide, 64% are older children and teens (ages 10-17), 25% are African American, 42% are Hispanic, and 27% percent are Anglo.

The minimum age you must be to adopt a child in Texas is 21.

“We know that there is a forever home and a loving family out there for each and every one of the children in our care, and we hope that anyone who thinks they may be interested in foster care or adoption will take the first steps to learning more about the process,” Wilson said.

Adopting?

Those interested in becoming a foster-to-adopt parent can log onto to the www. adoptchildren.org website. This website provides information on where to attend an adoption meeting and spells out the requirements to become a foster-to-adopt parent. The website also features many of the children who are legally free for adoption and who want their very own forever home. Short bios and photographs are included.

“I’d tell people to follow their heart,” Jonathan said. “It’s a lot of paperwork and a lot of training, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

The process begins with attending an Adoption Information meeting, where after a short presentation, prospective parents can ask questions about the process that can forever change the life of a child.

If you think you can be a forever parent for a child in Texas, please visit our website at www.adoptchildren.org or call toll-free 1-800-233-3405 for more information.