National Adoption Awareness Month, which is recognized across the nation, concluded its monthlong celebration on Nov. 19. Kern County residents had the chance to take part in an array of activities for the past three years, and 2005 was no different.
The Kern County Department of Human Services teamed up with the Superior Court Juvenile Division and a number of community adoption partners to help finalize the successful adoption of nearly 40 Kern County foster children.
During the celebration, a number of adoption proclamations were provided to KCDHS by local politicians, including Mayor Harvey Hall, who was adopted at the age of 3. These proclamations solidified and promised a commitment to the Kern County adoption system by those represented, regardless of political disagreements.
“What a special feeling it has been to enjoy a solid and structured upbringing by such gracious parents. It has been a great pleasure and joy to have been adopted – I have never once regretted it,” said Hall.
In addition to Hall, Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), Congressman Bill Thomas (R-CA), state Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield), state Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter), and the Kern County Board of Supervisors all provided proclamation agreements.
“I believe we as a community need to seriously consider adoption as an alternative (to birthing a child). Without adoption, these children will be victims of the foster care system for the rest of their lives,” said Hall.
Although adoption is often an option that is chosen, KCDHS social workers and politicians alike insist that it is not the appropriate route for all aspiring parents. They echo that foster and adoption bound children often carry baggage and hang-ups that will cause a lifetime of pain and sorrow.
“My suggestion to those considering adoption or foster care as an alternative to having their own children would be to begin investigating what’s involved in the process. attend a seminar that explains the process in depth, and talk to those who have previously encountered the system,” said KCDHS social worker Michelle Humecky.
The first family to complete their adoption during the celebration was Barbara and Jon Hopkins. Both Jon and Barbara are in their early to late 50s, and have raised four children of their own prior to adopting. The Hopkins family adopted their 23-month-old grandson Tyler; his mother was on drugs during the conception and delivery. According to Hopkins, “the home was and is an unsafe environment for my grandson to be exposed.”
“I count it a privilege and duty as a human being to take care of a child. it’s the right thing to do. Tyler is our number one concern and everything will be done around him. we’re not important anymore,” said Hopkins.
Hopkins offered advice to those who might be afraid of the foster or adoption system. “You don’t have to be perfect. Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I can’t start over. I’ve learned a lot, and if there is anyone out there that needs help and an education about adopting, I’d be happy to help,” said Hopkins.
For further information on becoming an adoptive or foster parent, you may contact the Kern County Department of Human Services at 633-7237. Additional information is available via their Web site at kcdhs.org.
“Look at what you are fighting for. look at what the goal is – to take care of a child who has no one,” Hopkins said.