For Andrea and Michael Vizcarra, National Adoption Day will be a time to celebrate the long, rewarding journey of adopting their 3-year-old daughter Alaia, whom they have fostered her since she was just two weeks old.
Her adoption will be finalized on Saturday, November 22, at Maricopa County’s National Adoption Day event at the Durango Juvenile Court Center, located at 3131 W. Durango in Phoenix. Commissioner David Keys-Nunes will preside over her adoption at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 6. Alaia will be the fifth child adopted by the Vizcarra family.
“Since having Alaia, our bond has grown so deeply,” said Andrea Vizacarra. “Snuggling with her fills me with so much gratitude. I will be thankful this Thanksgiving for the permanency and ability to give her a stable, loving home. The journey has not been easy, but the finalization of her adoption makes it all worth it. We love her so much - she has truly blessed our home and our hearts.”
Alaia is just one of 50 children to be adopted on National Adoption Day. Twenty-two judicial officers have volunteered their Saturday to conduct 41 hearings. Adoptions will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at
Outside the courthouse, families will be treated to a carnival-like atmosphere that will feature superhero visits; bouncy houses, face painting; games for kids and refreshments.
“National Adoption Day represents hope, unity, love and the enduring power of lawful permanency,” Juvenile Department Presiding Judge Lori Bustamante said. “We recognize the families who are formally expanding their households through adoption and have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to providing children with stability, security and unconditional love. We are truly honored to play a role in the legal and historical milestone that forever transforms the lives of these children and their families.”
National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness for the 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find forever families. In Maricopa County, there are 4,831 children in the foster care system. Since its inception in 1999, the Judicial Branch has finalized the adoptions of more than 4,500 children on National Adoption Day.
“National Adoption Day is a beautiful day full of celebration, connection and love,” Juvenile Department Administrator Carma Umpleby said. “All children need and deserve a loving home. We couldn’t make this event happen without the support of the Maricopa County National Adoption Day Foundation, the Department of Child Safety, numerous local adoption providers and attorneys, and the many families who have opened their hearts to adopting a child. We congratulate all the families who are celebrating with us this year.”