National Adoption Day
Tomorrow is National Adoption Day. To celebrate adoptive families, I asked Tiffany S. Franc, a lawyer at Hodes, Pessin & Katz, to share her story.
Franc will be the keynote speaker at Baltimore County's celebration where the Circuit Court will finalize 10 adoptions. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Baltimore County Old Courthouse in Towson.
Here's Franc's story:
I entered foster care at three years old due to sexual and physical abuse by my biological parents. I was forced to visit with them throughout my childhood and reunification was the goal. In the early 90’s I began to realize how horrendous my past was and decided that I did not want reunification. As I aged, DSS [Department of Social Services] attempted to terminate my parent’s rights and place me for adoption. My childhood was consumed by the legal system.
I saw on TV the story of “Gregory K.,” a boy wanting to be adopted because of abuse by his parents, but they would not give up their rights. He filed a petition seeking to “divorce” his parents and made news all over the country.
I thought how similar our stories were, that if DSS wasn’t granted their requests, perhaps I could force the courts to let me have my say. With the help of an attorney, I filed my petition. On the day of trial, my parents consented to adoption so as to avoid publicity. I wasn’t able to make legal history, but better than notoriety I was given a stable, loving family.
I was adopted by my foster parents in 1994 at the age of twelve.
Today I am a graduate of Frostburg State University, UB School of Law and an attorney at Hodes, Pessin & Katz. Most importantly, I am a wife and mother; sustaining trusting and loving relationships knowing that I will never perpetuate the violence that I suffered. Without my loving, supportive adoptive family, none of this would have been possible.
Saturday, as I give the keynote address to the crowd gathered for National Adoption Day, my heart will fill with joy and pride knowing that I am a part of the beginning of many happily ever afters.
If you're adopted or parents of adopted children, please share your stories here.










