Community Celebrates and Finalizes Adoptions

Families and community members gathered at the Ontario Convention Center with a common mission: to join the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services Adoption Finalization Celebration Nov. 20. This annual event that brought nearly 1,200 locals together honored adoptions throughout the year. According to San Bernardino County’s C.L. Lopez, November is the chosen celebration month since it is recognized as National Adoption Month. Every year, there are nearly 400 adoptions, many of which are finalized at the event; this year, 89 adoptions were finalized - 18 families adopted siblings and 28 children were adopted by family members; 47 of the adopted children were three years old or younger. Keynote speaker Jennifer Brickner, an acrobat, aerialist, gymnast and motivational speaker, was born without legs and was immediately put up for adoption. However, Brickner didn't let that stop her from following her aspirations. After her family adopted her, her inspiring journey began, she shared. Brickner credited her adoptive family for helping her realize that she could do anything if she worked hard and believed in herself. She explained that the word "can't" should never be in her vocabulary. “She is an inspiring and very talented person that was adopted by an amazing family,” Lopez mentioned. “We couldn’t imagine anyone more inspiring than her to speak.” The honorable judges performing the adoptions included Christopher B. Marshall, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge; Cheryl C. Kersey, Judge of the Superior Court; Steve Mapes, Judge of the Superior Court; and Lynn M. Poncin, Judge of the Superior Court. “We are grateful to all of the families who have opened their hearts and their homes to nearly 100 of our children,” said CFS Director Randall Schulz. “This event celebrates the hope that our children have for the future that comes with the gift of a permanent and loving family.” The event also included a “heroes” recognition, in which San Bernardino County thanked and recognized local heroes such as the San Bernardino County law enforcement officers and firefighters. [END] Families will celebrate adoptions of nearly 100 children during San Bernardino County Children and Family Services (CFS) Adoption Finalization Celebration at noon on Thursday, November 20, at the Ontario Convention Center at 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, Calif. The department’s commitment to families is evidenced by this year’s event: 18 families will adopt sets of siblings and 28 of the children will be adopted by family members. The celebration will also be distinguished by a record number of adoptions of children who are three years old and younger (47). Jennifer Bricker, an aerialist, acrobat, and motivational speaker will talk about the positive influence her adoptive family has had in her life. Bricker’s journey has included learning her childhood role model, an Olympic Gold medal winning gymnast, is her biological sister. The event will also recognize “heroes,” including San Bernardino County firefighters and law enforcement officers, who participated in the Heart Gallery Be a Hero campaign. The campaign features children available for adoption photographed alongside their heroes, in hopes of finding the ultimate heroes – adoptive parents. “We are grateful to all of the families who have opened their hearts and their homes to nearly 100 of our children,” said CFS Director Randall Schulz. “This event celebrates the hope that our children have for the future that comes with the gift of a permanent and loving family.” The Honorable Christopher B. Marshall, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge; the Honorable Cheryl C. Kersey, Judge of the Superior Court; the Honorable Lynn M. Poncin, Judge of the Superior Court and the Honorable Steve Mapes, Judge of the Juvenile Court, will perform the adoptions. CFS provides family-centered programs and services designed to ensure safety, permanence, and well-being for San Bernardino County’s children, while strengthening and attempting to preserve the family unit. CFS helps prevent further harm to children from intentional physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, or neglect by a person responsible for a child’s health or welfare. CFS is doing its part to help the community achieve the Countywide Vision by ensuring residents have the resources they need to provide the necessities of life to their families. Information on the Countywide Vision can be found at www.sbcounty.gov.