Judges across Maryland's Circuit Courts are conducting multiple adoption proceedings and family celebrations in honor of National Adoption Day, which falls on Saturday, November 19, 2016. Since the inception of National Adoption Day in 2000, approximately 58,500 children nationwide have had their adoptions finalized during these events. However, over 100,000 children remain in foster care awaiting permanent families.
In Anne Arundel County, Judge Laura S. Kiessling will oversee the adoption of 13 children aged between 10 months and 14 years on Thursday, November 17. Post-proceedings at Courtroom 4C will include refreshments and information about foster care and adoption programs from local agencies.
Baltimore City will see Judges W. Michel Pierson, Robert B. Kershaw, and Yvette M. Bryant jointly preside over around 20 adoptions at the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., Courthouse on Saturday morning. A reception with face painters and balloon artists will follow the ceremony organized by the Bar Association of Baltimore City with support from Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
Montgomery County Circuit Court judges will finalize the adoptions of 11 children on Friday afternoon in Courtroom 3E of the North Tower. The event includes a celebration hosted by Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services featuring activities for children.
In Prince George’s County, nearly 60 adoptions since early this year will be celebrated on Thursday morning at Courtroom M3400 located at Upper Marlboro's Main Street.
For further details or media inquiries regarding these events, contact Lili Khozeimeh in Montgomery County or Tia Lewis in Prince George’s County.