Rio Grande Valley Family Adopts Son 'Virtually' Over Zoom

Amid the global coronavirus pandemic, two-year-old Jose joined his half-sister as an official member of the Sanchez family on May 13, 2020. The judge, lawyers, case workers and family logged onto Zoom from the comfort of their homes and guideline adhering workspaces to participate in the event.

Jose’s adoption was the second virtual adoption in Hidalgo County and was streamed live on the county’s YouTube page. The remote adoption happened in accordance with Hidalgo County’s public health orders to limit social gatherings and practice social distancing.

Marcos and Veronica Sanchez, who worked with nonprofit Buckner Foster Care and Adoption in the Rio Grande Valley as their licensed child placement agency, said they are thankful for the support they have received through the adoption process.

“We feel blessed to be part of Buckner. They provide us with the tools and support needed to be a family. Our family is happy and excited to have Jose be an official member of our family. This adoption feels a little different being that it is being done at home virtually,” said the Sanchez’s.

With “best day ever” banners and balloons on the walls, the Sanchez family celebrated as the Honorable Carlos Villalon Jr. closed Jose’s case and declared it was in the best interest of the child that he permanently joins the family.

Veronica told the virtual courtroom that Jose had an instant connection with the family, and she is excited to see what the future holds for him and his sister.

“It has been a great blessing, especially having him unite with his sister. Since the beginning there has been a bond with them,” said Sanchez. “It has been exciting to see how even though they were apart, and now they are together, they have a connection and are able to spend the rest of their lives growing up together and getting to know each other.”

Since his foster care placement on Oct. 22, 2019, Jose has formed a loving bond with his forever family. The Sanchez family previously adopted Jose’s half-sister, and Jose’s placement with the family was recommended by the court as a result.

Marcos said he is looking forward to a lifetime of memories with his new son. “I love this child; he is a great kid. I’m glad that I will be his father for the rest of his life,” said Sanchez.

Hope continues to shine at Buckner Rio Grande Valley as teams work to find forever homes for vulnerable children, like Jose, despite the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Buckner has helped families across Texas complete virtual adoptions. The nonprofit also moved its free informational meetings about foster care and adoption online. For more information, visit Buckner.org/Foster-Care-Adoption/Events.