Full Breakdown
Volusia County Teacher Finalizes Adoption of Former Student After Two-Year Process
6/12/2026, 5:53:37 AM
Adoption Finalized in Family Court
Jackie Coombe, a substitute teacher at Pathways Elementary School in Ormond Beach, successfully adopted her 11-year-old student Jaden after a two-year effort. The Volusia County Family Court approved the adoption in spring 2024, legally changing the child’s name to Jaden Andrew Cohen and welcoming him into Coombe’s family.
Context: Florida Foster Care and School Community
Jaden had been in Florida’s foster-care system when Coombe first met him in October 2023 while serving as a substitute teacher at Pathways Elementary School in Ormond Beach. In spring 2024, Coombe learned that Jaden could not be adopted until May, prompting her to complete paperwork and background checks. After the initial meeting, Coombe continued teaching the class for the remainder of the school year, and hour-long visits with Jaden evolved into days spent together, deepening their bond. More than 15,000 children were in foster care in Florida last year, underscoring the scale of the system.
Key Figures & Groups
Jackie Coombe – a substitute teacher at Pathways Elementary School in Ormond Beach who pursued the adoption over two years.
Jaden Andrew Cohen – the 11-year-old student placed in Florida’s foster-care system and later adopted by Coombe.
Pathways Elementary School – the public elementary school in Volusia County where the teacher-student relationship began.
Volusia County Family Court – the jurisdiction that adjudicated the adoption.
Florida Department of Children and Families – the state agency responsible for foster-care oversight and adoption services.
Timeline of the Adoption Process
- October 2023: Coombe meets Jaden while serving as a substitute teacher at Pathways Elementary.
- Spring 2024: Coombe learns Jaden is in foster care; adoption eligibility set for May.
- May 2024: She completes background checks and adoption paperwork.
- Spring 2024 (court date): Volusia County Family Court finalizes the adoption and changes Jaden’s name.
Significance
The adoption illustrates how educators can become legal guardians of students, showing a pathway for teachers to adopt. It also highlights the high number of children in Florida’s foster care system, underscoring the need for permanent families. The adoption also highlights how personal connections formed in educational settings can translate into lasting family bonds.
Official Statements and Responses
The Volusia County Family Court approved the adoption, issuing a congratulatory statement to the family and formally changing the child’s name to Jaden Andrew Cohen. The Department of Children and Families reported that more than 15,000 children were in Florida’s foster care system last year, emphasizing the scale of the need for permanent homes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I GOT A MOM.” — Jaden, 11-year-old adoptee
- “JACKIE SAID THE TWO YEAR PROCESS WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT AND JAYDEN WILL.” — Jackie Coombe
- “I KNOW YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE ON HIM AND CONTINUE TO SHOW HIM ALL THE LOVE.” — Court representative
- “YOU’LL BE FOREVER KNOWN AS JAYDEN ANDREW COHEN.” — Court representative
What's Next
The family will continue to adjust to life together.
