North Dakota District Judge Joel Medd of Grand Forks was honored today by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven for his adoption work in the state.
Medd was among more than 140 local and national "Angels in Adoption." The award is given by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and allows lawmakers to honor the work of their constituents who have shown a commitment to enriching the lives of foster children and orphans.
Hoeven selected Medd from a pool of nominees for the award. He was nominated by Julie Hoffman, North Dakota's state adoption administrator.
In a written statement, Hoeven said Medd has helped North Dakota children and families "navigate the legal system as they go through the adoption process" while also working to make the adoption finalization process a "personal and warm experience."
"The extra steps he takes, like sharing stuffed animals with the children and giving Burger King meal cards to the families, show that he clearly has a heart for those who want to form a family through adoption," Hoeven wrote. "He is more than deserving of this honor."
ADVERTISEMENT
Medd has conducted adoptions for more than 30 years, and said in a statement that adoptions are the most positive hearings he conducts.
"We have wonderful people here in North Dakota who make these adoptions possible, including everyone from the new parents to the adoption workers," he wrote. "It gives kids a chance at permanent stable homes to grow and develop."
Medd and his wife, Amy, are grandparents to three children who were adopted from foster care by Medd's stepson and daughter-in-law. He also participates in the Grand Forks County Courthouse's National Adoption Day celebrations each year.
