HAWAII STATE JUDICIARY: Adoptions More Joyful Despite COVID-19

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Partner agencies created a cardboard cutout of Judge Darien Ching Nagata so she could be in the photos commemorating the adoption and guardianship celebrations.

Hawaii State Judiciary issued the following announcement on Dec. 22.

In a year when staying within your bubble and social distancing were  the norm, adoption celebrations became more joyful because they could be  shared with family, friends, and classmates in multiple locations,  thanks to Zoom.

The Third Circuit Hilo Family Court celebrated National Adoption Day  in late November by having 29 children achieve permanency by being  adopted or placed into guardianships.

“Usually, the families gather in our courtroom for the adoption  ceremony with their immediate family and representatives from the  various agencies,” said District Family Judge Darien Ching Nagata. “This  year, the proceedings were held virtually, which turned out to be a  blessing in disguise.

“One child had seven classmates and two teachers appear virtually to  support her during her guardianship hearing. Another child had more than  20 family and friends watch from multiple locations to be a part of  this special day,” added Judge Ching Nagata, who appeared remotely from  her courtroom.

This is the third year, the Third Circuit has collaborated with the  Department of Human Services, the Department of the Attorney General,  Children’s Law Project of Hawaii, and P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. to finalize  adoptions and guardianships in conjunction with National Adoption Day.

“District Family Judge Jeffrey Hawk and I were honored to preside  over these adoption and guardianship hearings,” said Judge Ching Nagata.  “Seeing the joy in everyone’s eyes and hearing the emotion in their  voices just made my day!”

Judge Ching Nagata added that granting an adoption or guardianship  for a child, means they will now be in a stable, permanent home with a  loving family. “We call them their Forever Family,” she said.

Original source can be found here.

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