austinbar.org DEC. 2021/JAN. 2022 | VOLUME 30, NUMBER 10
20th Anniversary of Travis County Adoption Day Austin Bar Supports Forever Homes for Children
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s part of National Adoption Month, the Austin Bar Association celebrated the 20th anniversary of Travis County Adoption Day on Nov. 4, 2021. As one of the proud sponsors of the event, the Austin Bar was excited to see 20 children adopted into 12 families. The event takes place each year with a focus of shining light on abused and neglected children needing forever homes. Many of these children have languished in foster care. Adoption Day is the culmination of gaining the family they’ve long desired. Though the event was virtual due to the pandemic, organizers honored the children in a most exciting way. The Austin Bar coordinated with the local and state agencies to ensure the children received the fanfare they deserved for the big day! Austin Adoption Day Committee Chair Denise Hyde worked behind the scenes to rally the troops as only she could, with energy for the big day. Hyde worked closely with Judge Aurora Martinez Jones, who presides over these cases, and other elected officials and their staff. The group diligently completed paperwork, aligned cases for the
As one of the proud sponsors of the event, the Austin Bar was excited to see 20 children adopted into 12 families. adoption process, and created an atmosphere of excitement for the families. Hyde’s legal expertise, excellent communication, and enthusiasm for child adoption made for an exceptional event. From a courtroom filled with stuffed animals to balloons and other fanfare, the effort met the purpose of putting children first. Judge Martinez Jones noted, “The 2021 Austin Adoption Day was an exciting time, especially with our hybrid press conference signaling a hopeful transition back to the courthouse. Most importantly, it was heartwarming and amazing to celebrate 20 children with their forever families on the 20th anniversary of Austin Adoption Day.” The Austin Bar's CLE, Sections, and Events Manager, Chase Brunson, worked along-
Adoption Day Chair Denise Hyde speaks as Judge Aurora Martinez Jones and a virtual audience listen.
side groups such as the Texas currently in the foster system Department of Family Protective awaiting reunion with permanent Services (DFPS), Court Appointfamilies and adoptive homes. ed Special Advocates (CASA), The Support from sponsors makes Heart Gallery of Central Texas, Adoption Day a success each year. and other volunteers. Brunson Sponsors provided the children says the day was truly a team efwith gift baskets to helpsupport fort and one he will never forget. the kids’ new lives. The families “Everyone behind the scenes receive special items, from a cares deeply about these families family photography session to and continues to support this engraved jewelry, estate planspecial day every single year. It’s ning consultations, and more. my first time participating and I’m Sponsors for this year’s event already thinking of how to capitalincluded the Austin Bar’s Family ize on what we’ve accomplished Law Section; Austin Chinese to make it even better next year,” American Network; Cook-Walden Brunson said. Funeral Homes & Cemeteries; Bikers Against Child Abuse Joseph Gagen, Attorney at Law; (BACA) also supported the event. Kendra Scott; Whitestone Fine BACA has long been involved Jewelry; Heart Gallery of Central with Adoption Day; members Texas; Holland & Knight; Amy's often appear in court to support Ice Cream; Foster Angels; Lyttle child-abuse victims testifying Law Firm, PLCC; Maples Jones, against abusers. PLCC; and Maureen Powers. The According to DFPS, 191 Austin Bar is grateful for the children were adopted in Travis sponsorships which help to make County during fiscal year 2020Adoption Day momentous for AUSTIN LAWYER AL AL 21. Another 2,902 children are everyone.
