Mahaska County Celebrates National Adoption Day With Five New Forever Families

OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Mahaska County Juvenile Court joined more than 400 locations across the United States on Tuesday in celebrating National Adoption Month, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness for children in foster care who need permanent homes and to honor the joy adoption brings to families.

Judge McAvan presided over five adoptions during Monday’s ceremony, noting how meaningful it was to see the celebration take place in Oskaloosa.
“Providing five children with a safe, permanent, forever home is an incredible privilege,” McAvan said.

One of those children was Nova DeZwarte, whose beaming smile lit up a courtroom filled with family and friends. Nova has been a part of DeLaney and Cody DeZwarte’s life since December 2021, and in that time, she has captured the hearts of everyone around her.

Judge McAvan praised Nova for her strength and self-advocacy throughout the process, noting that she has been a bright presence and an active voice in shaping her future.

For Nova, the day was nothing short of unforgettable.

“Today was the best day of my life, and I am happy to have a family forever just like other kids!” she said.

DeLaney and Cody shared that their decision to foster — and eventually adopt — was inspired by others who had once gone through the foster care system.
“We both knew some amazing adults and children who were, at one time, in the foster care system,” DeLaney said. “We knew there were more awesome kids out there who deserved a safe and loving home, and we wanted to provide that for them.”

And after officially becoming a family, the big question was asked — “Cody and Delaney, what are you going to do now?”
Their answer couldn’t have been more perfect: “We’re going to Disney!”

The DeZwartes are taking Nova to Florida for her very first plane ride and a celebration trip — and probably at least one pair of sparkly mouse ears.
Shannon Utoft, Adoption Specialist at Four Oaks, attended the celebration and emphasized the ongoing support provided to families who adopt through the foster care system.

“Although adopting can have its challenges, families receive continued guidance from an adoption specialist until the child becomes an adult,” she said. “The support and the need don’t end after adoption, and I’m grateful to help families through this journey.”

Lindsey Phillips, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator at Four Oaks, said that today is just another reminder that adopting out of foster care is one of the most powerful examples that family is not defined by blood, but by love, commitment, and the courage to show up for a child who needs you.

“It’s opening your home to someone whose world has been uncertain, and proving day after day that they are safe, valued, and wanted. Adoption is the beautiful act of choosing each other and choosing to walk through life together as a family,” she said. “And we see that in all the adoptions that occurred today.”

Across Iowa, many children are still waiting to find their forever homes. To learn more about fostering or adopting, visit iowafosterandadoption.org.