Maryland circuit courts are set to conduct virtual adoption proceedings and family celebrations in honor of National Adoption Day on November 21. This annual event highlights the importance of adoptive families and emphasizes the need for permanent homes for children in foster care. Traditionally, media representatives have been invited to attend these events in person, but this year all activities will be held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Montgomery County, judges will oversee the adoptions of seven children on Friday, November 20, at 4 p.m. The virtual ceremony will include guest speakers and stories from those impacted by adoption. Additionally, the Starfish Award will be presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the adoption community. Media personnel wishing to attend should RSVP by contacting Chanel Wainstein at [email protected] or 240-777-9119.
Prince George’s County's event, titled “Telling the Story – From Foster Care to Adoption,” is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, at 10 a.m. Chief Judge Sheila R. Tillerson Adams and other judges including Beverly J. Woodard and Daneeka Varner Cotton will preside over the celebration. Magistrates Althea Stewart-Jones and Kristin Hileman-Adams will also participate. The ceremony aims to recognize new adoptive families and features a guest speaker with extensive experience as both an adoptive and foster parent. Media representatives can RSVP by contacting the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County at 301-952-3814.