Texas children wake up to new families

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Some 25 Texas children are waking up with their new families Friday morning.

Travis County judges finalized the adoptions for the foster children Thursday.

The courtroom at Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center in South Austin was full of stuffed animals and balloons to celebrate the adoptions.

Francie Peters wore shoes similar to Dorothy's from "The Wizard of Oz" to let everyone know she was going home.

"They chose me, and I chose them. And it was good," said Francie Peters.

"I think that's a good point," said Pamela Peters. "It's not that just -- we chose each other. It's something even more special than the luck of DNA or genetics. It's just we knew we were meant to be together."

And while those children get adopted, there are more than 6,000 Texas children in foster care hoping to be adopted -- some getting lost in the system with a not-so-hopeful history.

That's why state lawmakers voted to change the Texas foster care system last session. They want to keep children near other siblings; get children the services they need in their own communities; and give private providers more incentive to help children make progress.