Philadelphia Family Court Marks National Adoption Day With 18 Families
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By Tim Jimenez
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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Today, on National Adoption Day, eighteen local families officially welcomed new family members permanently into their homes.
At the celebration in Philadelphia Family Court there were face painters, balloons -- even some Mummers.
Four-year-old Dailen had his face painted as his favorite superhero: "Batman!"
With him was his real-life hero: his mother, Pia Farrington (center of photo above), who has been waiting for this day for a long time.
"I'm glad it's over," she said today. "It's been five long years. I'm glad it's over, and I'm glad he's mine."
Regina Schepleng, from Pottstown, was celebrating with her wife, Marge Emery, and their second adopted son, Jaden.
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"It is the love and it's the nurturing," Schepleng noted. "And it's not just that, it's the structure. Children need structure. They need that in their life."
The event was sponsored by Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and Family Court.
An emotional Judge Kevin Dougherty told the families their journeys went from "Where am I going?" to "Welcome Home!"
