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Jefferson County holds first virtual adoption

Despite the pandemic, Shane and Lori Springer adopted their 2-year-old son on Wednesday, April 22. It was Jefferson County's first virtual adoption due to social distancing and shelter-in-place orders.

Joined on a Zoom video call by Judge Randy Shelton, lawyers, family and friends, Jacob Springer joined his forever family in a unique but joyous celebration. Also attending the virtual adoption was Yolanda Hopkins, the Springers’ Buckner foster care case manager.  

“Our entire team at Buckner is so happy for Jacob and the Springers," Hopkins said. "Even a global pandemic could not prevent this amazing family from becoming his official forever home. Jacob is an outgoing and inquisitive child who loves to learn, and he’s found parents and siblings who will continue to nurture and love him and provide him with a wealth of opportunities.”

Jacob was first placed with the Springers on Sept. 6, 2018 and is the Springers’ third child. Shane and Lori also have a 15-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, who they adopted in November 2018.

“Having the privilege to adopt via Zoom during a pandemic was absolutely only made possible by God’s ordination,” Lori Springer said. “We are so blessed to have family join us from all over Texas and other states who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.”

In addition to his new siblings, Jacob has three biological siblings. Two of his older siblings were adopted into one family, while his slightly older brother (3) will soon be adopted through Buckner by Shane and Lori’s best friends. Together, the three families are committed to ensuring the siblings grow up with a continued familial bond.

“Jacob has been ours since the day he came into our home, but the finality of a signed adoption decree brings so much joy to our hearts and lives,” Lori said.

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