Yuma County preparing to celebrate National Adoption Day

Part of nationwide effort to raise awareness for children waiting to be adopted

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - After a pandemic stricken 2020, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Yuma County are ready to celebrate National Adoption Day once again.

Coordinator Sandy Garrison confirms this year's celebration will be held Saturday, November 20, with the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center at 2440 W 28th St.

According to Garrison, 17 local families expecting to make their adoptions official will be celebrated. Attendees should expect refreshments, a blanket and stuffed animal gift set, and an adoption book.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to to take identification pictures and record fingerprints. Authorities will also have a fire truck present for children to play with and climb on.

"The annual event, typically held in courtrooms across the nation, celebrates the joy that comes from welcoming a child into your home and life through foster care and adoption," she shares. "It's also a chance to dispel the myths surrounding foster care."

Garrison explains that many people think they have to be rich, married or own their own home in order to qualify for the adoption process. However, that's simply untrue; and there are thousands of children waiting to be adopted across the state.

Despite coronavirus restrictions preventing adoption-day celebrations last year, about 32 children were adopted throughout Yuma County. Garrison says 20 kids have been adopted this year so far.

"It is always a thrill seeing these children officially adopted," adds Veronica L. Davis, who's also a coordinator with CASA of Yuma County. "For most, it has been a long road, but the wait is worth the outcome. Every child deserves a safe, permanent place to call home."

Per the September 2021 Department of Child Safety Monthly Operational Report, nearly 2,500 Arizonan children have been adopted this year, officially exiting the from the foster-care system.