Maryland circuit courts will celebrate National Adoption Day with various events and adoption proceedings from November 16 to November 29. The day is intended to honor adoptive families and highlight the need for permanent homes for children in foster care.
In Anne Arundel County, Circuit Administrative Judge Laura S. Ripken will oversee the adoption of seven children aged between 3 and 10 on November 29 at the Circuit Court in Annapolis. Following the proceedings, refreshments will be available, and families will receive commemorative gifts. Information about foster care and adoption programs will also be provided.
Baltimore City’s Circuit Court will host approximately 25 adoption ceremonies on November 17, presided over by Judges W. Michel Pierson, Emanuel Brown, and Kendra Y. Ausby. A reception with activities such as face painting and arts and crafts will follow the ceremony. The event is coordinated with support from the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
In Baltimore County, adoptions are scheduled for November 17 at Historic Courtroom No. 5 in Towson under Judge Sherrie R. Bailey's supervision. Entertainment by the Baltimore Gamers Orchestra will precede the proceedings, followed by a reception featuring costumed characters.
Montgomery County Circuit Court judges will finalize seven adoptions on November 16 in Rockville’s North Tower courtroom. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will host a reception post-ceremony with food and entertainment activities.
Members of the media are invited to attend these events but must seek prior approval for camera use from Maryland Judiciary’s Government Relations and Public Affairs Division.