Hoeven Honors Grand Forks Judge for Adoption Work
WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today recognized District Judge Joel D. Medd of Grand Forks as an Angels in Adoption awardee for his dedication to positive child welfare practices in his court. Hoeven selected Medd from a pool of impressive nominees.
“Judge Medd has done his best to help North Dakota children and families navigate the legal system as they go through the adoptive process. He also works hard to make sure that each adoption finalization is a personal and warm experience for them. The extra steps he takes, like sharing stuffed animals with the children and giving Burger King meal cards to the families, show that he clearly has a heart for those who want to form a family through adoption. He is more than deserving of this honor,” Hoeven said.
Medd, who has conducted adoptions for more than 30 years, said that adoptions are the most positive hearings he conducts.
“We have wonderful people here in North Dakota who make these adoptions possible, including everyone from the new parents to the adoption workers,” Medd said. “It gives kids a chance at permanent stable homes to grow and develop.”
Medd and his wife Amy are grandparents to three children Medd’s stepson and daughter-in-law adopted from foster care. He is a regular participant in the Grand Forks County Courthouse’s National Adoption Day celebrations, where he shares his own adoption experience with attendees.
The Angels in Adoption program is the signature public awareness campaign of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). It provides an opportunity for all members of Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad.
Medd is among more than 140 local and national “angels” from around the United States. He was nominated by Julie Hoffman, North Dakota’s state adoption administrator.
Next Article Previous Article
