August 2020 – After 700 days in foster care, 2-year-old Isla Elizabeth officially became part of the Moody family during a virtual adoption proceeding held over Zoom since the local courthouse remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Duval County judge presided as Isla was surrounded by foster parents Cayela and Evan Moody, another foster child in their care, and four older siblings in the family’s living room. The judge electronically signed paperwork finalizing the adoption. Isla had been under the Moodys’ care since she was 7 days old.
The virtual hearing was followed by a car parade of friends from the foster care community and members of the Moodys’ church.
Cayela longs for Isla’s story to inspire others to step up as foster care families.
“Foster children need people that are willing to raise their hands and say, ‘I can be forever,’” she added.
