It wasn’t much of a challenge to pick out the members of the Kirk family.
Inside a courtroom on the fifth floor of the Berks County courthouse Monday afternoon, it was clear that the six went together. Parents Alan and Karie, along with kids Kami, Kynslee and Kristopher, each wore matching black and white checkered flannel shirts.
Underneath they wore T-shirts — the girls gray and the boys black — that featured the line “God’s time is always perfect, trust the waiting” from Psalm 27:14.
There was a sixth person in the courtroom who was also donning the Kirk family look. And he was the one who was the center of attention Monday.
The family had gathered at the courthouse to take the final step in the arduous 2 1/2-year process of adopting a new member. The 3-year-old boy — whose name the family asked not to be revealed — became an official Kirk during a brief hearing.
“We are so excited to make this official,” Karie said. “In this moment, our family feels complete.”
For Alan and Karie, it was the conclusion of a mission they have felt compelled to take on.
The Terre Hill, Lancaster County, couple have served as foster parents for the past five years, describing their desire to do so as a calling. And one of their other children, Kristopher, is also adopted.
Karie said she always knew she wanted to adopt, to be able to provide a home for a child who did not have a safe and loving environment to grow up in.
“After we were done having our two children, we started to look into the process of adoption,” she said. “We did some research about the kinds of adoption that were available and felt like we could really make a difference by being foster parents rather than going through a private adoption process.”
“Plus, I think Karie can only make girls,” Alan said with a chuckle.
‘A huge blessing’
Alan said he was hesitant to be a foster parent at first because there is always a chance that he would grow close to the child and then that child would be placed back into their former home.
So they decided to seek fostering situations with a high probability of becoming adoption cases.
“It’s been a huge blessing in my life,” he said. “This is our future generation, and we need to love and care for those children who otherwise might fall through the cracks.”
The couple said they would urge anyone considering adopting a child to do it.
“Go for it,” Karie said. “Get all the information that you can, talk to someone who has gone through the process and see what adoption is all about.”
The Kirk clan was not the only family celebrating Monday.
Celebrating adoption
November marks National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness about the needs of children in the foster care system. Ten joyful families filled the courthouse as the adoptions of a dozen children in foster care were finalized.
Berks County Judges James Gavin and James Bucci, who presided over the hearings, welcomed the families during a special ceremony to mark the occasion.
Gavin, who oversees the orphan’s court division, pointed out that most of the events that take place in the courthouse are not something to celebrate. In fact, he said most of the things that happen in courtrooms are rather sad.
“But there are days that are special and unique,” he said. “Today we are celebrating hope, we are celebrating peace, we are celebrating life. And that is what adoption is for all of you gathered here.”
Gavin thanked the families for allowing him to be part of that process.
“With pen to paper we are granting these adoptions, and you all are giving us the privilege of making dreams come true,” he said.
Bucci, who officially retired from his post on the Berks bench in 2020 but has continued to serve as a senior judge, echoed those sentiments. He said handling adoptions has been the most rewarding work of his more than 20-year career.
“Those who choose to adopt children have the generosity and the commitment to be a parent, and I can’t tell you how much I admire all of you for what you have chosen,” he said. “You are all living saints, and I think all of Berks County owes you a debt of gratitude for stepping up to care for these children.”
Salute to judge
But, just as the adoption hearings were about to take place, something unexpected happened.
James M. Bucci, a senior Berks County Court judge, receives a citation from state Sen. Judy Schwank during ceremonies to mark National Adoption Month on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the Berks County Courthouse. Bucci has handled 46% of all adoptions filed in Berks County since 2018, Schwank said. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Gavin invited state Sen. Judy Schwank to speak. The Wyomissing Democrat approached the podium and presented Bucci with a citation recognizing the role he has had in overseeing the adoption of 546 children.
“Known for his gentle demeanor and compassionate nature, Judge Bucci has handled 46% of all adoptions filed in Berks County since 2018,” she said. “Over the course of this tenure he has made crucial decisions that have improved the lives and welfare of countless children and teenagers.”
Schwank said there is no question that every child deserves a family, and over the past seven years Bucci has helped place children in loving and supportive homes.
“His work has made dreams a reality for countless prospective parents,” she said.
Following Schwank’s presentation, Berks Commissioners Christian Leinbach and Dante Santoni presented Bucci with a proclamation from the county also praising him for his work.
“Your service specifically as it relates to adoption is extremely important and absolutely has a positive impact on our community,” Leinbach said. “When we saw the number of adoptions you have handled, all three of us commissioners were shocked. And we thank you for your service and what you have done to strengthen our community.”
Bucci, who was moved to tears by the unexpected acclaim, told those gathered that he’s unsure he’s deserving of the praise.
“This is too kind,” he said. “I must thank the staff who work so closely with us to facilitate these adoptions. I could not have handled over 500 adoptions without the assistance of everyone who plays a role in helping us get to this day.”