Children celebrate being adopted Posted On: Tuesday, Nov. 17 2009 05:10 AM By Mason W. Canales
Killeen Daily Herald

BELTON – The adoption of 29 children by 19 families became official Monday at the Bell County Justice Complex.

"Before we can make this official, this little man needs to hit this gavel right here," Bell County Judge Charles Van Orden said. He handed his gavel to a child who was just adopted.

The child slammed the hammer on the judge's bench.

"There we go," Van Orden said. "It is now official."

The children range in age from 18 months to 13 years old.

"We are all excited about helping these little ones to find their dream of having a loving family," 169th District Court Judge Rick Morris said.

Rico Corporal, now a single Killeen father, was excited to be with his new son, Darius, 13.

"This is a dream come true for me," Corporal said. "He is a good kid. He is highly intelligent, and I foresee him having a great future."

Darius echoed his father's excitement.

"I am excited, too," Darius said. "He is a cool person."

The two have already bonded over video games and running track – two things Darius loves.

Corporal said the future would have some bumps because teenagers will be teenagers, but he was grateful that Darius would now have someone there to love him and protect him.

David and Stacy Torquato adopted 18-month-old Lelani Monday.

"It feels wonderful after the 12- to 13-month wait for this day," Stacy said. "Most people wait nine months; we waited a bit longer."

David said he was just looking forward to watching Lelani grow.

"I think she will be more into football than soccer," David said to one of his relatives with a smile. "She is rough and tough."

This was the second year that the Bell County Bar Association held an event in association with National Adoption Day, which is Saturday, said Chris Van Deusen, Department of Family Protective Services spokesman.

Last year eight children were adopted by six families, he said.

"People don't think there are children who need adopting ... there are children right here in Bell County," Van Deusen said.

In Texas there are 6,000 children waiting to be adopted. In Bell County, there are 70 children awaiting families, Van Deusen said.

Contact Mason W. Canales at mcanales@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7554.