Hillsborough foster kids get their forever families during adoption event
47 foster children and 36 families were officially united on a day of celebration.
Evelyn Vega-Krebs, right, kisses her daughter, Kayla Choice-Krebs, 14, alongside father, Duffer Krebs, the family, all of Lutz sat together as Judge Daryl Manning finalized Kayla's adoption during a National Adoption Day celebration at the Hillsborough County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Adoptions are usually a closed-door affair, but on National Adoption Day, all are welcome at the Edgecomb Courthouse in Tampa as children get their forever families. Friday’s event, themed “Adoption Rocks,” is a celebration held every November to coincide with National Adoption Month, which aims to raise awareness and encourage people to consider the adoption of children and teens from foster care.
Mayor Jane Castor, whose two sons are adopted, read a proclamation to a packed courtroom of happy families sharing hugs, smiles and tears of joy.
Families wait their turn to be called up by Judge Daryl Manning so they can officially adopt their children. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Judith Joseph, of Tampa, hugs her son, Jadens Joseph, 9, during adoption proceedings officially making them a family.
[ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
District 1 Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, left, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor are pictured applauding after speeches are given. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Stuffed animals for newly adopted children are displayed in the courtroom. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Oliver Williams, 2, and his mother, Melissa Williams, 36, of Tampa, react after Judge Daryl Manning officially announces that he has been adopted. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Families take photos during the adoption proceedings. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Judge Daryl Manning presides over adoption cases during a National Adoption Day celebration at the Hillsborough County Courthouse. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
Laura Gut, 54, of Tampa, takes a photo with her grandchildren in front of the “Adoption Rocks” poster. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
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/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/FNXQLBLY6FEYXJHEFNJU5Q3EDQ.jpg "Evelyn Vega-Krebs, right, kisses her daughter, Kayla Choice-Krebs, 14, alongside father, Duffer Krebs, the family, all of Lutz sat together as Judge Daryl Manning finalized Kayla's adoption during a National Adoption Day celebration at the Hillsborough County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Tampa.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/WUFQOZSRDRCBXE3WIAILA3TGDU.jpg "Families wait their turn to be called up by Judge Daryl Manning so they can officially adopt their children.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/P6ZDOUJWQFDXJEAI6IAXBSSG7I.jpg "Judith Joseph, of Tampa, hugs her son, Jadens Joseph, 9, during adoption proceedings officially making them a family.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/M3ZXU2ZVTJG6LI2GWPFGMLQ46Q.jpg "District 1 Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, left, and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor are pictured applauding after speeches are given.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/NMCS5DLELBCXHKTHWLZDFDMPTQ.jpg "Stuffed animals for newly adopted children are displayed in the courtroom.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/XD6QIFLT4FBFPIIEEJ7ZBPYR6Q.jpg "Oliver Williams, 2, and his mother, Melissa Williams, 36, of Tampa, react after Judge Daryl Manning officially announces that he has been adopted.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/IOZ3PJO52BH3BD3DSQIN3BEDI4.jpg "Families take photos during the adoption proceedings.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/JODOMNDOR5EADFNKLCJYJJW4RA.jpg "Judge Daryl Manning presides over adoption cases during a National Adoption Day celebration at the Hillsborough County Courthouse.")
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/ILTD23OUNRAJPHMEAXGT52NWPE.jpg "Laura Gut, 54, of Tampa, takes a photo with her grandchildren in front of the “Adoption Rocks” poster.")
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