DENVER -- It was a packed house at the Lindsey Flanigan Courthouse on Friday, but for all the good reasons -- 50 reasons to be exact.
That's how many children had their adoptions made official during the 11th annual National Adoption Day event held by Denver Human Services and Denver Juvenile Court.
"I congratulate and commend all of the families who are stepping in and stepping up to welcome adoptive children into their homes and their hearts," DHS Executive Director Don Mares said in a news release.
All in all, 32 families participated in the day's event, including the Minks, who have now added a third adopted child to their family of five.
"A piece of paper matters," said Noel Mink. "She's ours for forever."
"She" is 17-year-old Autumn Mink, who spent more than 4,400 days in foster care throughout her life.
"It feels really good to know that even though in my heart I've known that I'm part of the family, it feels good to officially be," Autumn said.
So far this year, 64 children have been adopted in Denver County in 2015, which is significantly less than the 136 who were adopted in 2014. Officials call this a "welcomed decrease" because it means "more families are being preserved."
There are still 13 children who are seeking a "forever home" in Denver County. In total, 584 children are in foster care across the state.
Over the years, more than 570 adoptions have been finalized on National Adoption Day in Denver.
(© 2015 KUSA)
