20th Anniversary of Travis County Adoption Day

Austin Bar Supports Forever Homes for Children

As 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 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.”

As one of the proud sponsors of the event, the Austin Bar was excited to see 20 children adopted into 12 families.

Adoption Day Chair Denise Hyde speaks as Judge Aurora Martinez Jones and a virtual audience listen.

The Austin Bar's CLE, Sections, and Events Manager, Chase Brunson, worked alongside groups such as the Texas Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), The Heart Gallery of Central Texas, and other volunteers. Brunson says the day was truly a team effort and one he will never forget.

“Everyone behind the scenes cares deeply about these families and continues to support this special day every single year. It’s my first time participating and I’m already thinking of how to capitalize on what we’ve accomplished to make it even better next year,” Brunson said.

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) also supported the event. BACA has long been involved with Adoption Day; members often appear in court to support child-abuse victims testifying against abusers.

According to DFPS, 191 children were adopted in Travis County during fiscal year 2020- 21. Another 2,902 children are currently in the foster system awaiting reunion with permanent families and adoptive homes.

Support from sponsors makes Adoption Day a success each year. Sponsors provided the children with gift baskets to helpsupport the kids’ new lives. The families receive special items, from a family photography session to engraved jewelry, estate planning consultations, and more. Sponsors for this year’s event included the Austin Bar’s Family Law Section; Austin Chinese American Network; Cook-Walden Funeral Homes & Cemeteries; Joseph Gagen, Attorney at Law; Kendra Scott; Whitestone Fine Jewelry; Heart Gallery of Central Texas; Holland & Knight; Amy's Ice Cream; Foster Angels; Lyttle Law Firm, PLCC; Maples Jones, PLCC; and Maureen Powers. The Austin Bar is grateful for the sponsorships which help to make Adoption Day momentous for everyone. AL