Will I? I will.

File “Adoption”

Last Wednesday I went to the Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) court in Bronx. IDV court has jurisdiction over criminal, family, and matrimonial disputes for families whose domestic violence is an underlying issue. I was there for eight hours and my mind was filled with many thoughts. I noticed numerous troubled families and plenty of juvenile delinquents. 

In my eyes, a juvenile delinquent is a hopeless and unfortunate kid. According to the NY and Greek law, children at a specific age, who commit an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult, are juvenile delinquents. When I am disappointed, I wake up the next day and say to myself “OK. Today is another day.” My personal view about the juvenile delinquents was formed when I realized that for some people the next day that will come will be the same. 

These children are not the “bad kids”, as someone would easily say. Most of the times, these children have committed the acts for which they have been charged and tried. However, I deem that the appropriate people who should have been put on trial are their irresponsible parents with shallow hearts, who brought them in life and almost always abandoned them from the first day of their life and placed them automatically in the list of “the unlucky kids”. It is really good luck to be raised by a good family, because our experiences shape our character and define our present and future. 
 

Except for the juvenile offenders, I perceived tortured children by their families, which made me so angry and determined to raise my voice in this issue again. They usually say that the things which are free in our life are the most meaningful. Thus, giving love, hope, presence, and future to a child is worthier than anything else in life. Children are the sweetest and most innocent creatures, who only need love and care. Leaving the IDV court, I affirmed my opinion and thought that if the nature deprives me of the privilege to procreate, I will definitely adopt a child, as I would like to offer my love to children who unfairly were placed to an unhappy and unfortunate position. 
 

The legal process of adopting, from application to finalization, can be a lengthy one. It can be a marathon. Sometimes, I get so furious with bureaucracy. According to NY Domestic Relations Law, an adult unmarried person, or an adult married couple together, or any two unmarried adult intimate partners together may adopt another minor person. Under specific circumstances, the adoptive child’s consent is required. Sometimes, parental consent is also needed. The judge examines all the aspects of the adoption, so that the child’s best interests are served. The same standards are also applicable to the public or private adoption in Greece. Moreover, pursuant to the Greek Law there are also age requirements and limitations to adoption. The Greek statistics show that the average time of a child’s adoption from a public institute is five years, which is unbelievable. 

We try to give meaning to our lives. Let’s give meaning to the lives of struggling and helpless children. Let’s help them in any way we can and if God doesn’t give you the privilege to have your own child, take your life in your hands and give happiness and life to a child who only needs love and attention.
 

 Old Bronx Borough Courthouse