Judges have heard cases inside the Starke County Courthouse for 115 years, but in all that time cameras have not been allowed inside the courtroom. That was until now.
"It's part of history here in Starke County Circuit Court," says Judge Kim Hall. The state agreed to allow cameras inside his courtroom, not for a criminal case or a sensational trial, but instead for something positive
"The families have consented to allow the public to view the ceremony," he says. It's an adoption ceremony. Four boys are becoming part of their forever families. That includes Isaiah.
With the stroke of a pen he will officially be adopted by his grandparents. They say Isaiah's mom left the picture four years ago.
"My wife and I can lay down at night and know our grandson is safe and we don't have to worry about whether he has food on the table or clothes on this back or a safe place to stay," says Isaiah's grandpa Richard Earnest.
The reason the cameras are being allowed is to spread awareness. It's in honor of National Adoption Day, a day when advocates remind us that there are more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting for adoption.
"Research shows there are families that are willing to adopt so national adoption day is all about bringing those families together with the children who need to be adopted," says Rhonda Adcock from Starke County.
Isaiah doesn't have to wait any longer. The Earnests are his family now and forever. "This is a very special day for me," Isaiah says. "I love them so much."
Click HERE for more information about National Adoption Day.
