(Annapolis, MD — November 14, 2006) The Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County will celebrate National Adoption Day on Thursday, November 16, as eight children are adopted at a special event in the court house at 7 Church Circle, Annapolis.

Circuit Judge Nancy L. Davis-Loomis will preside over the adoptions, and the children and their families will hear from Clerk of the Court Robert P. Duckworth. Court Administrator Robert G. Wallace will play live bagpipe music as part of the celebration, and families will take part in a reception following the ceremonial adoptions.

Elsewhere in the state, the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County is celebrating National Adoption Day on Wednesday, November 15, and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Circuit Courts will hold special National Adoption Day activities on Saturday, November 18. In 2005, Baltimore County was the first jurisdiction in Maryland to hold a National Adoption Day celebration.

National Adoption Day is celebrated annually throughout the United States on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Last year, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies, and advocates helped to finalize the adoptions of more than 3,300 children from foster care in 45 states and the District of Columbia, and 227 events were held throughout the country to finalize adoptions and to celebrate all families who adopt.

Members of the media are invited to attend. Media should call Administrative Judge Joseph P. Manck’s chambers at (410) 222-1185, to arrange to attend and bring cameras. For more information, call the Court Information Office at (410) 260-1488.