Judges across Maryland's Circuit Courts are set to oversee numerous adoptions and host family celebrations in recognition of National Adoption Day on November 18. The media is invited to attend these events.
National Adoption Day, initiated in 2000, aims to honor adoptive families and highlight the plight of over 110,000 children in foster care nationwide who await permanent homes.
In Anne Arundel County, Circuit Administrative Judge Laura S. Kiessling will oversee the adoption of 12 children on November 16 at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis. The event will include refreshments and gifts for families, with information available about foster care and adoption programs through local services. Andrea Parks can be contacted for more details at 410-222-2327.
Baltimore City will see Circuit Administrative Judge W. Michel Pierson, Judge Robert B. Kershaw, and Judge Kendra Y. Ausby preside over around 30 adoptions on November 18 at the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., Courthouse. A reception with entertainment activities will follow the ceremony. This event is coordinated with support from the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
In Baltimore County, several adoptions will be finalized on November 18 under Judge Sherrie R. Bailey's supervision at Historical Courtroom No. 5 in Towson’s Old Courthouse. The event includes a violin performance and a reception organized by the Baltimore Bar Association.
Montgomery County's Circuit Court judges will finalize seven adoptions on November 17 at the North Tower in Rockville. Post-adoption celebrations will feature entertainment provided by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Lili Khozeimeh can provide further information at 240-777-9119.
Prince George’s County's celebration takes place on November 16 at Upper Marlboro’s Circuit Court where Judges Sheila R. Tillerson Adams, Beverly J. Woodard, and DaNeeka V. Cotton will preside over adoption ceremonies that have seen over 50 finalizations since January 2017. Tia Lewis can be reached for more details at 301-952-4140.