VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — It was a big day for many in Vigo County as they formally adopted children into their families.

An Adoption Day ceremony took place at the Vigo County courthouse featuring several state and local guest speakers. Around a dozen, families adopted children today, including Dawn Arnold and her husband. They adopted a one-year-old boy named Wesley.

She says adoption is a two-fold feeling.

“I’m very excited and happy really to have Wesley join our family forever but there is a little bit of grief that comes with that as we know that it’s somewhat of an end to a natural birth family so we have hopes that we can continue a very strong relationship with the family even after adoption,” Arnold said.

Arnold also spoke about the importance of fostering children.

“There are so many kids within our community and within the state of Indiana that are really looking for forever homes,” Arnold said. “So joining a family is really just the start of a healing process and we are so excited to be a part of that.”

Arnold says if anyone is interested in fostering a child, The Maryland Community Church will be holding a foster parent forum later this month on November 29, at 6:30 p.m.