Yavapai County News – Friday, May 9th was a beautiful day with wonderful weather for the celebration of 11 children being adopted into their forever families at the Yavapai County Juvenile Justice Center. This year for Adoption Day families were greeted by the friendly critters from the mobile petting zoo from Hammer and Russell Ranch in Paulden (including a baby Highland cow); Chili Bean the Clown; YCSO’s Deputy Do-Right; Whiskie the Northern Arizona Wranglers team mascot, and miniature horses from Horses with Heart. There were amazing balloon creations provided by Adoption Day staple Cody Williams and face painting by the talented Christina, both from QT Entertainment. Prescott Valley SWAT Team and their armored vehicle, Engine 75 from Prescott Fire Department, and Deputy Do-Right with the Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office all spent time with the children and families who attended the event. The families also enjoyed bounce houses and yard games throughout the afternoon. Yavapai County Juvenile Probation Staff kept the hot dogs fresh and ready on the BBQ and families and friends celebrating the special day were also served cupcakes, freshly made popcorn, and other yummy snacks by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers. Photographers Christine Beyea and Jodi Champion were both on hand to capture memories for the families both in and outside of the courtroom.
Following the hearings, pictures were taken in the courtroom with Presiding Juvenile Judge Anna Young and Judge Rhonda Repp. Each child adopted was able to select a handmade quilt lovingly sewn by local quilting group Mountain Top Quilters. The newly adopted children were also able to select a cuddly stuffed animal, a new book, and each received their own copy of the Dr. Seuss book, Oh the Places You’ll Go!
Judge Anna Young shared “The Yavapai County Juvenile Court, through the efforts of our court, CASA and Juvenile Probation staff and volunteers, was able to host another fun-filled Adoption Day at the Juvenile Justice Center in Prescott. The families all had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the activities and treats made possible by the generous funding from Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation. Judge Repp and I had a great time helping the ten families who participated in the event with finalizing their adoptions.”
These events would not be possible without help from many people and organizations. Thank you:
- Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation for providing the funds to create such a fun and festive atmosphere for our children and families
- Mountain Top Quilters Guild for keeping us supplied all year with beautiful quilts to give to our children on their special day
- Horses with Heart volunteers
- Laura Hamblin as Chili Bean the clown
- Whiskie, a feisty, fiery raccoon and the official team mascot for the NAZ Wranglers
- Our fabulous CASA volunteers and staff
- The amazing BBQ skills of Yavapai County Juvenile Probation staff
- Yavapai County Facilities Department, for their prep work at the Juvenile Justice Center
- Local First Responders and staff from Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office, Prescott Valley Police Department, Prescott Fire Department
For more information about fostering and adoption go to: https://dcs.az.gov/fosteradoption/provide-permanency-child-through-adoption
Interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)? Please visit:
www.casaofyavapaicounty.org to find out if being a CASA would be a good fit for you.
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