11/15/2008 9:20:00 PM Dewey couple welcomes 14-year-old daughter into the family
Matt Hinshaw/The Daily Courier
Harrison Lane and his wife Della talk with Tiffany Whitlock, 14, while waiting to enter the courtroom to adopt Tiffany Saturday morning at the Yavapai County Courthouse.
Matt Hinshaw/The Daily Courier
From left to right, Harrison Lane, Court Appointed Special Advocate Kathleen Provence, Tiffany Whitlock and Della Lane embrace each other outside of a courtroom Saturday morning at the Yavapai County Courthouse. Tiffany had been the Lanes’ foster child for the past year and the Lanes adopted her during Yavapai County’s Adoption Day Saturday.
PRESCOTT - Della Lane choked up and wiped away tears a half an hour before she and her husband, Harrison, walked into a third-floor courtroom at Yavapai County Superior Court to adopt their 14-year-old daughter late Saturday morning.
It was a touching moment filled with elation that Della could not contain, knowing Tiffany Whitlock - an eighth-grader at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School - would become an official part of her Dewey family.
"We just can't imagine our home without her now," Della said prior to embracing Tiffany, who was seated next to her on a bench in a court hallway.
For the past 14 months, Tiffany has been the Lanes' foster child. The friendly, down-to-earth young girl, originally from Prescott, was one of 13 children from nine families who officially joined their new parents during the court's biannual Adoption Day.
Superior Court Judge Robert Brutinel presided over Saturday's proceedings and approved the adoptions one at a time.
"We really got into foster care and we weren't going to adopt, but she sort of grew on our hearts," Harrison said of Tiffany. "It's about time we put her into the family permanently. It's where she belongs. We knew she was the one."
The Lanes first found out about Tiffany after receiving a phone call from Child Protective Services more than a year ago. They took Tiffany under their wings in September 2007. The couple also has two foster children and a daughter of their own, Kristina Lane.
Tiffany had been waiting anxiously for the Lanes to become her parents.
"It feels really awesome and really special," she said. "I've connected with them very well, and I feel safe. We just all get along."
When she's not in school, Tiffany stays active. She is on student council and loves tending to horses.
Although Tiffany does not ride horses yet, she cares for some in Dewey.
Harrison operates a full-time licensed professional "Home Care Training for Home Care Clients" foster home. He serves as a caretaker for three special-needs children who have suffered severe neglect.
"We help them make it through their day, basically, whether it's mentally, physically, or whatever," said Della, who also works as an insurance agent. "Harrison and I have the patience and understanding for special-needs kids, because we've dealt with them in our own family."
To adopt as foster parents, the Lanes went through extensive background checks and followed the state's adoption licensing protocol.
Adoption officials ask prospective parents about their motivation for wanting to adopt. They also conduct an in-depth study of a couple's home.
"We have monthly home visits (from a licensing worker with Catholic Charities) to make sure the kids are getting what they need and see how we're doing," Harrison said.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Kathleen Provence, a volunteer from Prescott Valley who has labored with the Lanes throughout the adoption process, said the couple knew they wanted to adopt Tiffany three months after becoming her foster parents.
It is a CASA's responsibility to oversee the process for foster children who seek adoption. The advocates act as non-biased third parties who report their findings to a judge during adoption hearings.
"Tiffany is such a very special child," Provence said. "The Lanes are lucky to have gotten her, but she is also quite lucky to have been put with the Lanes. This is a perfect match."
Contact the reporter at dcook@prescottaz.com
Reader Comments
Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Article comment by:
Prescott Mom
This story warmed my heart. Thank you Lanes for making room in your hearts, and your home, for Tiffany. Adoption is awesome!!
Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008
Article comment by:
Johanna and Family
Hey Lanes!! CONGRATULATIONS. We aren't too far behind you I don't think. Can we have your CASA now? She is wonderful, just like you guys! Tiffany is lucky as well as your family! Best Wishes always.
Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008
Article comment by:
Johnson Family
Congratulations, to the Lane family. Being a part of the Lane family is one of the greatest feelings that a person can have. Love ,caring and understanding that cames with family, we are proud to know the Lane's and Love them as family too.
Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008
Article comment by:
THE PROTECTOR
SHES FINALLY OURS!!!! Shes never going anywhere and will always be protected no matter which one of us she's with. Thats my new baby sister. Love ya girl!!!! Congrats mama and papa bear. SHES FINALLY OURS!!!
Posted: Monday, November 17, 2008
Article comment by:
No name provided
I'm an adopted mother of two, we are a family made by way of others. What a blessing, how awesome you are for giving this young girl a chance in life. God Bless you and your newly grown family.
Posted: Sunday, November 16, 2008
Article comment by:
Wilson Family
I know this family on a personal level and let me tell you that Della and Harrison are one of the kindest people ever. I love you guys and wish you luck on everything.
Posted: Sunday, November 16, 2008
Article comment by:
Nancy & Brian Biggs
Congratulations Della, Harrison, and Tiffany!
Posted: Sunday, November 16, 2008
Article comment by:
Merry
What a wonderful article! I wish them well with many many happy years as a family!
