Gladney Adoption Day finalizes a family\u2019s adoption journey and usually is held in November for National Adoption Month.\u00a0<\/p>\n
DeAngelis invited some of the new adoptees and their siblings up to the bench to have a go at banging the gavel themselves.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish I could do this more often,\u201d she said. The celebratory event is a far cry from the usual parade of felony, criminal and civil cases most county district judges endure on a daily basis. \u201cThis is a good day.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The need for adoption in Texas is large, Gladney President and CEO Mark Melson said. About 4,000 children were awaiting adoption in the state in fiscal 2024, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melson said a lot of families are hesitant about adoption, but he says one of Gladney\u2019s strengths is providing ongoing support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have services we provide to families as they continue their journey,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have a lot of experience and data on what works and we share that with them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gladney\u2019s adoption numbers are growing a little bit, which is not true in the adoption field in general, Melson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve really put a lot of effort into the foster care piece here in Texas and looking at how we can grow that,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Gladney Center\u2019s history traces back to 1887. In the 1920s, it gained fame for providing adoption services for unwed mothers. \u201cBlossoms in the Dust,\u201d<\/a> a 1941 Oscar-winning film starring Greer Garson<\/a>, was a fictionalized story of the organization\u2019s namesake, Edna Gladney.<\/p>\n In 2024, the Gladney Center took one of the biggest steps in the organization\u2019s 138-year history when it joined forces<\/a> with an East Coast-based agency to increase its geographic presence. The center expanded its national and international reach as well as grew its staff and resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re now in 11 countries,\u201d Melson said.<\/p>\n He said the annual event allows families going through the adoption process to connect with each other.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis lets the families come out and play, meet each other and really celebrate,\u201d Melson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Email Bob Francis, business editor for the Fort Worth Report, at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org.At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.<\/a><\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
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