Maryland's circuit courts are set to host adoption proceedings and family celebrations across the state in recognition of National Adoption Day on November 23, 2024. This event highlights the importance of adoptive families and the need for permanent homes for children in foster care.
In Anne Arundel County, a special hearing will take place on November 21 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 4C. Administrative Judge Donna M. Schaeffer will oversee five scheduled adoptions. A reception will follow in the courthouse's fourth-floor gallery.
Baltimore City Circuit Court's event is scheduled for November 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Elijah E. Cummings Courthouse. Judges Audrey J.S. Carrión, Michael DiPietro, and Charles Blomquist will confirm adoptions for 24 children, with gift baskets provided to each family.
Baltimore County's ceremony will occur on November 23 at 11 a.m. in Ceremonial Courtroom 5 at the Historic Courthouse in Towson. Judges Sherrie Bailey and John Hennegan (ret.) will preside over nine adoptions into seven families, followed by a reception at Charles Village Pub.
Montgomery County's celebration is planned for November 22 at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 3E, with Judges James A. Bonifant, Joan E. Ryon, and Debra L. Dwyer finalizing ten adoptions.
Prince George’s County will hold its ceremony on November 21 at The Honorable Sheila R. Tillerson Adams Ceremonial Courtroom, focusing on "25 Years of Celebrating a Family for Every Child." Judges DaNeeka Varner Cotton and Judy L. Woodall will lead the event.
The Maryland Judiciary has released an Adoption Day video showcasing activities from Baltimore County's past events.