GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Nearly 20 families officially expanded Thursday as Kent County celebrated its 28th annual Adoption Day.

Kent County’s Adoption Day is an event that both judges and families look forward to.

“We are here to bring awareness to the incredible gift that adoption is and encouraging other families to step forward,” Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch said.

This year, 19 children had an adoption finalized in courtrooms filled with family and friends. Among them was 15-year-old Tyson Irvine of Ada.

With his mother Amy Irvine by his side, Tyson was adopted by his stepfather, Doug Irvine. Doug has known Tyson since he was five and the two have long had a special relationship.

Doug and Amy Irvine and son Tyson. (Courtesy)
Doug and Amy Irvine and son Tyson. (Courtesy)
The Irvine family smiles after son Tyson is adopted by stepfather Doug. (Dec. 5, 2024)
The Irvine family smiles after son Tyson is adopted by stepfather Doug. (Dec. 5, 2024)

“It’s been more like a father-son than a stepfather or stepparent. Tyson came into my life and within a short period of time started calling me ‘dad’ and it’s been great,” Doug Irvine said.

Tyson said as he got to know Doug Irvine over the years through bonding experiences like dune rides, he found a major sense of comfort.

“I found it amazing that I could live with him, being so happy,” Tyson said.

This eventually drove Tyson’s desire to share the same last name as Doug Irvine and make him his legal father.

“It’s something that I’ve been wanting for a very, very long time,” Tyson said.

Thursday, that wish came to fruition. The father-and-son pair said they are excited about the adoption becoming set in stone.

“It’s very gratifying to know that you’re doing the right thing and that he appreciates the relationship,” Doug Irvine said.

“For a short while, I thought this couldn’t be real. It was so important that I didn’t know it can actually happen,” Tyson said.

After worries about whether the adoption would reach the finish line, Tyson’s mother said she was glad that it did.

“I really can’t even put it into words. It’s been a long road watching Tyson go through a lot of different emotions, feeling a lot of those different emotions for him, and for Doug, but we’re really excited that the end is here,” Amy Irvine said.

Despite stories like Tyson’s, Justice Welch said 10,000 kids in the state’s child welfare system need placement.