The celebratory occasion will highlight the court’s goal of bringing families together

CONTACT:
Tia Lewis
Communications Specialist
301-952-4140

For Immediate Release

(UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – November 15, 2016) The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County is adding more happiness to area homes. In honor of National Adoption Day, on Thursday, November 17, the Circuit Court 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.

“Each year, I look forward to the adoption ceremony as it’s a true moment of celebration,” says the Honorable Sheila R. Tillerson Adams, Administrative Judge for Prince George’s County. “The selfless act of providing a loving and safe home to a child is immeasurable and truly a lifetime gift. I would like to thank the Honorable Beverly J. Woodard and the Family Division for coordinating the annual adoption day celebration.”

The event’s speakers are Catherine Sanders, a 22-year-old adoptee, who aged out of the foster care system, but was later adopted as an adult by her foster family; Diane Banks, the adoptive mother of her deceased daughter’s adopted child and Jannie McNeil Hayes, an adopted parent of siblings which include two special needs children. In attendance will be Judge Adams, Chief Judge C. Philip Nichols and Judge Cathy H. Serrette. Judge Woodard will officiate the ceremony.

“I’m so happy to participate in this annual event,” states Judge Woodard. “With the support of both community leaders and advocates at both the local and state level, it’s an honor to make the dreams of many children in our community a reality by becoming a part of a forever family.”

National Adoption Day was established to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. Since 2000, nearly 50,000 children have had their adoptions finalized during National Adoption Day events, according to the National Adoption Day website.
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