By Dan McCarthy
Mail

Alaia Vizcarra will officially become part of her Mesa family on Saturday, an important legal formality that puts a stamp on a love that has grown over three years.

Alaia has been fostered and cared for by Andrea and Michael Vizcarra since she was two weeks old.

Her adoption will be finalized at Maricopa County’s National Adoption Day event at the Durango Juvenile Court Center, 3131 W. Durango in Phoenix.

Commissioner David Keys-Nunes will preside over her adoption at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 6. Alaia will be the fifth child adopted by the Vizcarra family.

“Since having Alaia, our bond has grown so deeply,” Andrea Vizacarra said of her 3-year-old daughter.

 “Snuggling with her fills me with so much gratitude. I will be thankful this Thanksgiving for the permanency and ability to give her a stable, loving home.

“The journey has not been easy, but the finalization of her adoption makes it all worth it. We love her so much - she has truly blessed our home and our hearts.”

Alaia is one of 50 children to be adopted on National Adoption Day. Twenty-two judicial officers have volunteered their Saturday to conduct 41 hearings.  Adoptions will begin at 9 a.m. and finish at noon.

Outside the courthouse, families will be treated to a carnival-like atmosphere that will feature superhero visits, bouncy houses, face painting, games for kids and refreshments.

“National Adoption Day represents hope, unity, love and the enduring power of lawful permanency,” Juvenile Department Presiding Judge Lori Bustamante said. 

“We recognize the families who are formally expanding their households through adoption and have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to providing children with stability, security and unconditional love. We are truly honored to play a role in the legal and historical milestone that forever transforms the lives of these children and their families.”

National Adoption Day is an effort to raise awareness for the 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find forever families.

There are 4,831 children in the foster care system in Maricopa County.  Since its inception in 1999, the Judicial Branch has finalized the adoptions of more than 4,500 children on National Adoption Day.

“National Adoption Day is a beautiful day full of celebration, connection and love,” Juvenile Department Administrator Carma Umpleby said. “All children need and deserve a loving home.

"We couldn’t make this event happen without the support of the Maricopa County National Adoption Day Foundation, the Department of Child Safety, numerous local adoption providers and attorneys, and the many families who have opened their hearts to adopting a child.  We congratulate all the families who are celebrating with us this year.”

Dan McCarthy
Web content

dmccarthy@iniusa.org

Meet Dan
Dan McCarthy joined Independent Newsmedia as web content editor after a 40-plus year career as a reporter and editor in New Jersey and Arizona. During his time in Arizona, he has been an editor of daily and weekly papers in Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Peoria and Glendale. Prior to moving to Arizona in 1984, when he was hired to be assistant city editor at the Tempe Daily News, he covered regional police/fire news, municipal, county and state governments in New Jersey, the latter as bureau chief at the state Capitol.

Community: He has served on several boards over the years, including the Tempe Community Action Agency and the Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital Board of Governors. He is a graduate of the Tempe Leadership and Scottsdale Leadership programs, serving as media adviser for subsequent classes of Tempe Leadership.

Education: Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. 

Random Fact: Set winter/summer track records in the 60-, 100- and 220-yard dashes at his high school in New Jersey. 

Hobbies: Tai chi, cooking, dining at his must-eat-once places around the U.S. and the Cincinnati Reds, his favorite team since 1961.