Burlington Vicinage to Celebrate National Adoption Day

The Burlington Vicinage will celebrate its 17th annual Adoption Day on Friday, Nov. 22 at 8:45 a.m. at the Burlington County Courts Facility, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly.

Superior Court Judges Mary Ann C. O'Brien and Lynda A. Hynes will finalize adoption proceedings for four children. The celebration will open with remarks from Assignment Judge Jeanne T. Covert, Judges O'Brien and Hynes, and Burlington County Surrogate Brian Carlin. Each child will receive a toy bear and gift bag during the proceeding.

"Adoption Day is a highlight of the judicial calendar," Judge Covert said. "There is no better event a judge can participate in than an adoption and the facilitation of a forever family."

The vicinage's Adoption Day celebration is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the Department of Children and Families, the Burlington County Surrogate's Office, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Burlington County, the Burlington County Bar Foundation, the New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing House, and Loren Ross and the Children's Home Society of New Jersey.

National Adoption Day is an annual event that celebrates the families who choose to adopt, while raising public awareness of the need for adoptive homes. Those interested in becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent should call 1-877-NJFOSTER.

Although adoption hearings are closed to the public, arrangements can be made for reporters to interview willing families after the proceedings. For more information, contact Rebecca Guzman at 609-288-9500, ext. 38489.