Flint, Michigan – Four families began a new life together at the historic Genesee County Circuit Courthouse in downtown Flint. There were smiles and tears, and it was clear that something beautiful and lasting was happening. This year’s Adoption Day celebration was a very important day for Genesee County. Not only did it bring families together and secure their futures, but it was also the last Adoption Day presided over by retiring Judge Jennie Barkey. Many parents have spoken with gratitude about how she helped shape their lives.
The Genesee County Probate Court and the Family Division of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court put on the event every year, where people may watch open adoption proceedings as they happened. It was a warm and emotional atmosphere as family, friends, and community advocates came together to see the last step in a journey that for many had taken years.
Judge Barkey, who is known for always supporting children and families, delivered words that everyone in the room could understand.
“Love is the only thing that matters, it really is … by doing this public celebration, hopefully we will motivate other people to step up … because children who have families have a childhood. And you don’t have much of a life if you don’t have a childhood,” said Judge Jennie Barkey.
After the last hearing, many people took to social media to thank her and share recollections of their past adoption experiences with her. One father remembered adopting a son nine years ago and said that Barkey’s passion changed their life. Another responder, who was about to finalize their own adoption, said that their baby girl will make their family complete. The stories came one after the other, each one showing how love, patience, and connection can happen.
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The program included a keynote from Cole Williams, an adoptive father and Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Delta Project. His speech, which was very personal and brave, made adoption seem like a new beginning rather than an end. It was a promise to walk with a kid through all the years to come. Also there were people from the Department of Health and Human Services and local adoption organizations. This showed that everyone is responsible for helping children find permanent homes.
In Genesee County, joy and awareness went hand in hand. There are 396 kids in foster care right now, and 89 of them are still searching for a family to call their own. Adoption Day was a happy day, but it also reminded everyone that many futures are still unwritten.
Judge Barkey reflected on the significance of the day, emphasizing that adoption marks the beginning of a new journey and urging families and individuals to consider opening their homes to children who need stability and care.