By Marcia M. Meis, Director, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts
As we prepare for the coming feast and the kickoff of the holiday season, it is a good time to look back on the positive things that happened this year. One major event took place this past weekend.
Several Illinois counties celebrated what is known in many courthouses as the “happiest day of the year.” National Adoption Day took place last weekend and dozens of children found permanent homes. Of everything our courts do to help people throughout the year, this special event is uplifting for everyone involved from the children and families to the judges and courthouse staff.
Williamson County in southern Illinois led the way with 30 children joining new families. Judge Amanda Byassee Gott presided over the ceremony and said, “Presiding over adoption proceedings where children find their forever families is one of the highlights of my time on the bench as a judge each year. As a juvenile judge, it is a privilege for me to preside over this final step of permanency for youth in the care of DCFS.”
At the other end of the state in Winnebago County, Associate Judges Frances Martinez and Erin B. Buhl hosted a celebration with refreshments and a photo booth to make the day memorable for 13 children and their new families. “National Adoption Day is truly a joyous occasion. The creation of a forever family for children that have been in foster care is the highlight of my years on the bench,” Judge Martinez said.
Adoption ceremonies also were held in Cook County and Rock Island County for an additional 23 children. “This is the happiest day in the Circuit Court of Cook County,” Chief Judge Timothy Evans said.
Last year, 2,184 Illinois children were adopted into families. Another 2,841 youth remain in foster care with a goal of adoption. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about some of them, please visit Heart Gallery of Illinois.
I also give thanks to everyone involved in the Illinois Courts who work to improve access to justice for all and with a special focus on Illinois’ most vulnerable residents. The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice and the AOIC Access to Justice Division work tirelessly to make our courts easier to navigate.
ATJ Chair Judge Jorge Ortiz highlighted a few of the impressive individuals working to implement the many access to justice initiatives currently taking place throughout the state. Please take a few minutes to read about this important work here. I am so thankful for these judges and staff who work every day to make the courts less stressful and more understandable for the public we serve.
I am grateful for the extraordinary leadership our courts continue to bring to bear in the behavioral health realm. In my last column, I highlighted several grants that will improve mental health care for individuals who come in contact with the courts, evidence-based community supervision strategies and juvenile delinquency prevention programs. Since then, we have received an additional grant to assist the Marshall, Putnam and Stark County Probation District with technology assistance to enhance probation treatment and compliance. These counties also received a $900,000 grant to establish an Adult Drug Court and provide funding for participant recovery and treatment services.
Most importantly, I thank the Illinois Supreme Court who continuously lead the way for all our courts through their strong commitment and support of this work. While too many to mention individually, my thanks also go out to everyone who works in the Illinois courts for their hard work and dedication to keeping the trains running and making the courthouse a welcoming place for all.
I hope you and your families have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe holiday season.