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November 13, 2014
ACS Celebrates National Adoption Month
Adoptive Families Hosted at National Adoption Month Reception Family Fun Day and Adoption Finalization Ceremonies
As part of celebrations for National Adoption Month 2014, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) hosted with a reception at the Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street in Manhattan on November 13 for newly adopted families, providers and staff involved in the adoption process. Hosted by the ACS Division of Family Permanency Services (FPS), the event was an occasion to celebrate families who completed adoptions during the year. It was also an opportunity to recognize all the individuals and groups who make an adoption a reality.
Supervising Judge Jeanette Ruiz of the Brooklyn Family Court and former ACS FPS Deputy Commissioner delivered the keynote address. She thanked the families who have “opened their hearts and homes to a child in foster care.” Recounting the story of an adoption finalization she officiated, Judge Ruiz said that when the newly adopted child was asked what the event meant to him, he replied, “Everything.” Judge Ruiz thanked staff from ACS, provider agencies, and the Family Court for their individual contributions to the adoption process. Andrea Glass spoke on behalf of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a major of supporter of the event, as well as the sponsors the national adoption initiative, Wednesday’s Child.
In her welcome to the families, FPS Deputy Commissioner Benita Miller said, “The importance of adoptive parents is immeasurable—you provide the love, stability, and guidance to support a child’s well-being. You give our children a chance to lead safe, healthy, and supported lives.” She noted that in NYC fiscal year 2014, 1105 children were adopted from foster care, including 39 youth were between the ages of 18-21 years old. “This could only have been achieved through the extraordinary efforts of those who are here with us this evening—provider agencies, caseworkers, foster parents, adoptive parents, attorneys, judges and many more who help bring the people and resources together so our children make the connections that they need for permanence through adoption,” she said.
Special Guest Speaker Isaiah Feil-Sharp who was adopted this year by Gerard and Dominic Feil-Sharp engaged the audience as he spoke about his search for a forever family. Dressed as a ring-master, complete with top hat and tux, he credited family members for taking care of him and thanked his new parents for guiding him on the path to realizing his dream of becoming an actor. Through the support of his parents, Isaiah is enrolled in the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and is attending the Professional Performing Arts High School.
Jackie Roth, FPS Associate Commissioner closed the program and opened the floor for dancing by thanking her staff for organizing the evening, and our counterparts in the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for their support and sponsorship. The meal was catered by the Graham School Culinary team, a group of budding chefs from the Graham Windham Services for Children culinary skills program.
National Adoption Month Reception
Family Fun Day
On Saturday, November 15, newly adoptive families were treated to a day of fun and games at Dave and Busters in Times Square, Manhattan. The event was sponsored by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
Adoption Finalization Days
With the help of adoption professionals, child advocates, judges, and attorneys, New York City Family Courts held adoption finalization ceremonies for approximately 150 children in foster care, making them part of permanent families. Adoption Finalization Days were held in Staten Island on November 13, Queens Family Court on November 17, Manhattan on November 19, Brooklyn on November 20, and the Bronx on November 21.
ACS OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Contact: pressoffice@acs.nyc.gov (212) 341-0999