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Media Advisory:
Circuit Courts in Maryland Celebrate National Adoption Day
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND (November 17, 2016) ─ Judges in Maryland Circuit Courts are presiding over multiple adoptions and holding family celebrations throughout the week leading up to and including National Adoption Day, which is Saturday, November 19, 2016.
Since National Adoption Day was established in 2000, nearly 58,500 children nationwide have had their adoptions finalized during adoption day events. Still, more than 100,000 children in the United States remain in foster care awaiting permanent placements with loving families.
National Adoption Day activities in Maryland Circuit Courts include the following:
Anne Arundel County
Judge Laura S. Kiessling will preside as 13 children, ranging in age from 10 months to 14 years old, are adopted on Thursday, November 17, in Anne Arundel Circuit Court. Following the 9 a.m. proceedings in Courtroom 4C, refreshments will be offered in the 4th floor gallery. Literature will be available about foster care and adoption programs through Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services as well as private adoption agencies.
Baltimore City
Baltimore Circuit Administrative W. Michel Pierson, Judge Robert B. Kershaw, and Judge Yvette M. Bryant preside jointly over approximately 20 adoption proceedings in the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., Courthouse on Saturday, November 19. Following the 10 a.m. ceremony, the families will celebrate together during a reception featuring face painters, a balloon artist, and arts and crafts activities. The newly adopted children will receive personalized gift bags that will also include gifts for their siblings. The ceremony has been coordinated with the Bar Association of Baltimore City, with support from the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
Montgomery County
The judges of the Montgomery County Circuit Court will preside over the adoptions of 11 children on Friday, November 18. The ceremonies will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Courtroom 3E of the Montgomery County Circuit Court’s North Tower. The newly adopted children will receive personalized gifts. After the adoptions are finalized, the new families will celebrate together at a reception hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services with food and activities for the children and their families, including a face painter, a balloon artist, and music provided by a DJ. For more information, contact Lili Khozeimeh, Circuit Court Adoption Coordinator, at 240-777-9119.
Prince George’ County
The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County on Thursday, November 17, will celebrate new and returning adoptive families and the finalization of nearly 60 adoptions of children since the beginning of the year. The ceremony will be held at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Courtroom M3400 at 10:30 a.m. The Circuit Court is located at 14735 Main St., Upper Marlboro. For more information or media request, contact Tia Lewis, Communications Specialist, at 301-952-4140.
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