Circuit Court Judge David Gooding cheerfully wished Catherine "Happy Mother's Day" at the completion of her adoption proceedings last Friday. Catherine's adoption of her 17-year-old grandson marked the 400th adoption in the state of Florida since July 1st of last year.

"[Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff] Kottkamp said statistics show Florida has made great strides when it comes to placing foster children in homes. 'We have shortened the average waiting time it takes to find a home for a child from 14 months to 10 months,' said Kottkamp."

The adoption ceremonies on Friday (40 of them in all) also marked the unveiling of the state's new website "Explore Adoption: Finding Families for Florida's Kids." The website it part of Governor Charlie Crist's new initiative to promote public adoptions.

Labels: foster_families, milestones

Posted By: Aspen Education Group