40 Families Expand During National Adoption Day Celebration in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Friday was National Adoption Day, a day dedicated to encouraging the adoption of children and honoring people who adopt.

It is also the only day of the year that the press is allowed into the courtroom to view the adoption process.

In the courtroom on Whalley Avenue in New Haven, 2-year-old Kenyatta could say the day was all about her. It’s pretty easy. Her face is larger than life on the blanket. Her whole family was there, wearing her picture on their shirts.

Family is also the reason for this day. Throughout her young life, Kenyatta was in the care of Doris Brown, her adoptive mother.

“You loved her and cherished her all this time, not knowing how long or whether she would remain in your family,” Judge Lynn Dawson told Brown. “I want you to know that this uncertainty ends today.”

Arkansas’ most long-awaited foster child has found a forever family.

That’s because Brown officially adopted Kenyatta on Friday. She has raised many children over the past 20 years, but this is her first chance to raise a child from birth. She can’t get pregnant, so she literally dreamed about it.

“I believe this was written in the past for the future, so this moment was amazing preparation for today,” Brown said.

She was one of 40 Connecticut families who became bigger and better on National Adoption Day. Although it was a day to celebrate adoption, adoption continues year round and they are always looking for parents to foster and adopt children of all ages and all needs.

“It makes you feel like you have a desire to help and change the trajectory of a child’s life,” said Commissioner Jody Hill-Lilly of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. “There is nothing like it. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve made a difference in a child’s life.”

Kenyatta’s life has already changed. Doris Brown is the only mother she has ever known.

“It is in Kenyatta’s best interest, absolutely in Kenyatta’s best interest, that the court approves this adoption,” Dawson said, making it official.

Brown considers this his calling.

“If I can help just one kid change a generation, then I feel like that’s been my job,” Brown said.

She also helps a lot with this task. Kenyatta can tell. She can just look for her picture on all those shirts.

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