HARTFORD -- Juvenile courts around the state had some unusual sights on Friday: balloons, pictures, toys and most peculiar, plenty of smiles. It was all to celebrate National Adoption Day.
The Department of Children and Families reported that 73 children, including 16 pairs of siblings were being adopted by 57 families.
At Hartford Juvenile Court, Joette Katz, the commissioner of the DCF, said, "As the commissioner, this is the best day ever, it's what you live for."
Katz was part of the proceedings for eight families who were made whole in Hartford, including Deidra and Saul Vachier from Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Vachiers adopted a brother and sister -- 4-year-old Jaylah and her brother, 5-year-old Jaziah. The siblings had been in and out of five foster homes until today.
"They are our joy," Deidra, their new mom, said. "The joy of our hearts."
Holding back tears, Saul, the kids' new father and Deidra's husband, said, "This is what I've wanted years ago, I wanted kids and I wanted to be the best dad out there."
The Department of Children and Families and the Judicial Branch say they are able to finalize between 400 and 500 adoptions annually. For more information on becoming a foster parent or an adoptive parent call 888-KID-HERO or click here.
