From left, Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge Karin McGrath and Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed announced the new program this week. Photo provided by Judge McGrath.

News Release

WARSAW — Kosciusko County’s adopted children and adoptive families are receiving new backpacks and other gifts through the court system thanks to the support of the nationwide “Jockey Being Family” program.

Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge Karin McGrath and Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed announced the new program this week. Superior Court 1 and Circuit Court are the courts that handle Kosciusko County adoptions.  

“Newly adopted children receive a nice, quality backpack, filled with a teddy bear, fleece blanket and reading material,”  Judge Reed said. “And, equally important, the adoptive parents receive a Parent Tote with valuable information for them, too. It’s all provided at no cost to the parents or taxpayers.”

“The backpacks are personalized with a monogram of the child’s initials—in the child’s favorite color, if desired,” Judge McGrath said. “In some cases, that’s the first time the child’s new initials are seen on anything. The eyes of the first little girl who received one of these gifts lit up, and she literally gasped as she pulled out this cuddly bear and super soft blanket. It was really touching for the whole family.”

The Parent Tote is filled with a book and other information on articles, webinars, podcasts and online courses made available through Jockey’s partners on topics relevant to many issues that families may experience as they adjust to their new situation. The resources are fully funded by the Jockey Being Family Foundation.

The Jockey Being Family Foundation was founded by Chairman Debra Waller, who was adopted herself and wanted to offer support and funding to provide crucial resources to adoptive families.  

“All adoptive children under the age of 18 and their adoptive families are eligible to receive these gifts. That includes foster parent adoption, step-parent adoption or any other situation. We expect the program to be very well received,” commented Judge Reed.

“Adoption really is a lifelong journey, not just an event. We hope this program and its resources help families along the way toward a strong, united, and loving lifetime together,” Judge McGrath said.

Adoptive families may call Kosciusko Superior Court 1 or Circuit Court a few weeks in advance to request a backpack for their adoption hearing.