CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some new families are recognized Friday in Chicago ahead of Saturday's National Adoption Day, held annually the weekend before Thanksgiving.
In a courtroom on the 17th floor of the Daley Center and while thousands of children in Illinois wait for their permanent homes, Judge Mary Trew reviewed the first case of the day.
Joy Copeland was attempting to adopt 6 and 5- year -old siblings Devante and Damoni.
Surrounded by stuffed animals and gift bags, Copeland and the young brother sister combo nervously awaited the final decision.
Judge Trew then announced that from this day forward, Devante and Damoni are now the children of Joy Copeland, who is their great aunt by relation.
"Say hi to mom," she told the kids.
Devante and Damoni are two of five siblings. The other three were adopted by their grandmother.
Eleven children were joined with loving permanent families throughout this special Adoption Day proceeding.
"Usually these ceremonies are private, but these families have decided to make their ceremonies public to show people the joy that comes out of these adoptions," Presiding Judge Maureen Ward Kirby said.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram