TORRINGTON, Conn. — When it comes to showing up in a courtroom, the moments are not always positive.
However, a judge in Torrington had a reason to smile Friday morning as he officially signed off on a New Hartford mother adopting a teenage girl.
"Being a parent is about self-sacrificing meeting the evolving needs of a dependent," said Judge Jason Lobo.
With Friday being CT Adoption Day, Jessica Urban officially adopted 13-year-old Autumn who fostered in Urban's home since 2019 along with her three children.
Lobo signed off on the Certificate of Adoption.
With more than 30 adoptions finalized just on Friday, the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families completed more than 400 adoptions this calendar year.
In 2017, Urban met Autumn when she was only seven years old.
"She was the nicest, sweetest kid, very quiet," said Urban.
Though Autumn was quiet for a reason since she came with a traumatic past.
"I used to couldn’t sleep at all or I wouldn’t eat because I was really scared," said Autumn.
Her mother was an alcoholic and dated someone who also struggled with the disease.
"One night they had gotten into a big argument and he took my mom’s hand and slashed it with glass and then he started beating up my cousin," added Autumn.
That is when Autumn knew she had to leave for new beginnings.
"She has honestly been my right-hand person. She’s helped me so much with everything. When I’m cooking in the kitchen, she’s right there next to me, helping me out," added Urban.
Autumn used her hard times to motivate her future self.
"I was in therapy and my therapist helped me a lot and I want to help kids get over their fears," added Autumn.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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