Fifty-Six Children and Their Families Celebrate Adoptions in Court Ceremonies
Temecula mother shares story, raises awareness about the need for adoptive families
Contact: Gene Kennedy
Senior Public Information Specialist
gkennedy@rivco.org
(951) 358-5219
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Ca.—It was the day Sacha Lewis had been waiting nearly two years for. On Saturday, Lewis finalized her adoption of a 2-year-old girl in Riverside County Superior Court.
“I’m officially her mother,” said Lewis with a big smile. “We are moving forward as a family. It’s exciting.”
Lewis, a doctor in Temecula, was among 40 families adopting 56 children at the 11th Annual Adoption Finalization Day. Families, friends, and civic leaders gathered inside the Riverside Historic Courthouse to celebrate.
“Adoption Day is a true celebration of the coming together of families in our County and the commitment of many agencies to bring attention to such a worthwhile event,” said Judith Clark, Juvenile Presiding Judge, Riverside Superior Court. “The court is honored to participate in a day that recognizes the process of adoption, shows the strong commitment of community members, and witnesses the joy experienced by joining parents and children together as a new family.”
Saturday’s ceremony also spotlighted the role Riverside County plays in helping hundreds of children find permanent homes each year. While Saturday’s celebration highlighted the final step in becoming a family, more than 100 foster children await permanent adoptive homes in Riverside County on any given day.
“There are many wonderful children in need of loving and supportive families,” said Sarah Mack, director of the Department of Public Social Services. “This is a community celebration that inspires families to consider adoption.”
The department encourages those interested in fostering or adoption to contact us for more information at 1-800-665-KIDS.
