ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Six children in St. Johns County are starting the holiday season with new families and sealed the deal during a heartwarming adoption ceremony on Friday.
Held just before National Adoption Day on Nov. 23, the event marked a major milestone for the families and the children who now have forever homes.
18-month-old Cameron Maynard was one of the children officially adopted. His big sister, McCail Maynard, captured the sentiment of the day when she whispered to him, “I’m so happy. I’m so happy we got to adopt you today.”
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The Maynard family had been fostering Cameron since he was just 11 days old.
His father, David Maynard, reflected on the journey, saying, “We love him unconditionally and we’re so thankful he’s with us.”
An emotional day for families
The ceremony saw the adoption of children ranging in age from three to 17. The event was filled with emotion, not just for the families but for those who support them, like Cassandra Ludwig, a senior child advocate manager.
“It’s so important to our children to make sure they have connections and they have permanency and love,” Ludwig shared.
Adoption trends in Florida
Data from the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability in Florida reveals that public adoptions increased from about 3,200 in 2012 to nearly 3,800 in 2022. Despite the rise in adoptions, advocates continue to stress the need for more families willing to foster and adopt children.
Logan Maynard, another member of Cameron’s new family, offered encouragement to prospective adoptive parents: “It doesn’t take anyone special. It’s not that we’re different from anyone else. We’re just willing to say yes. Foster care and adoption can be hard, but it can also be the most incredibly rewarding thing.”
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the difference adoption can make, creating lasting bonds and opportunities for children to grow up in a loving environment.
Click here to learn more about adoption in Florida.