Advocates and court staff celebrate ‘Ohana Adoption Day on June 9. In the front row, from left, are Jemarie Tarik-Gacho, Lucia Kahunanui Mo‘ikeha, Elladine Olevao, Anne Fitzpatrick, Tiana Tamura, Judge James Rouse, Tracy Smith, Clarice Kaawa, Annie Reinecke, Judge Adrianne Heely, Megan Jorgensen, Kathleen Tobin and Madeline Tomasino-Reed. In the back row, from left, are Anela Cairns, Ashley Van Vlymen, Michelle Tanno, KariLynn Wakakuwa, Danielle Egeberg, Kelli Haaff, Leslie Armstrong, Andrew Fukada and Russell Spenser.
The Maui News
Fifteen children transitioned from foster care to permanent homes during the Maui 2nd Circuit Court’s ‘Ohana Adoption Day on June 9.
The Children’s Law Project, along with attorneys, state agencies, volunteers and court staff, celebrated the adoptions of children ranging in age from 11 months to 15 years old, according to a news release from the Judiciary on Monday. The keiki received monogrammed backpacks stuffed with blankets, books, personal essentials and teddy bears. Child Welfare Services created T-shirts with “It takes a village” on the front, and a peace sign on the back with the words, “Peace Out Foster Care!”
“Although we do many adoptions throughout the year, this was our first collaborative ‘Ohana Adoption Day with the Children’s Law Project,” said 2nd Circuit Family Court Judge Adrianne Heely. “We are so grateful to the Children’s Law Project, their attorneys, including Valerie Grab and Madeline Tomasino-Reed from Hawai’i island, CLP paralegals; DHS Child Welfare Services led by Maui Section Administrator Annie Reneicke; CES Permanency Social Worker Anne Fitzpatrick and CWS’ dedicated hard working social workers Leslie Armstrong, Dani Eggberg, Anela Cairns, and Andrew Fukuda; state Deputy Attorneys General Adriel Menor and Terrence Herndon; and our own staff, including Marsha Yamada, KariLynn Wakakuwa, Kelli Haaf, Michelle Tanno, Alysha Stephenson, and all the dedicated volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates and Guardian Ad Litems.
“It really does take a village, collaborating and working so hard to support these children through some challenging times,” Heely added. “To see the smiles on the faces of the children and their forever families was priceless.”
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