National Adoption Day is Saturday, Nov. 21, and Maryland’s courts will take part in celebrations throughout the week. By noon on Saturday, judges in circuit courts throughout the state will have helped dozens of children become members of permanent families during court proceedings that the judges say provide some of the courts’ most joyful moments. Following many of the adoptions, parties will be held to honor the new families.

National Adoption Day was established to raise awareness of the 129,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. Throughout the U.S. during last year’s National Adoption Day event, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies, and advocates helped to finalize the adoptions of thousands of children from foster care while celebrating all adoptive families.

In Baltimore City Circuit Court, a record number of children – 56 – will become members of their new families at the same time. Baltimore Circuit Court Administrative Judge Marcella A. Holland, Judge Audrey J.S. Carrion, and Judge Edward R.K. Hargadon will preside together over the adoptions at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Ceremonial Courtroom in the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., Courthouse, 100 N. Calvert St., Baltimore. Secretary of Human Resources Brenda Donald will greet the families during the ceremony. After the adoptions are finalized, the new 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 with gifts for their siblings, as well. Baltimore’s event has been coordinated with the Bar Association of Baltimore City, with support from the Baltimore Department of Social Services.

In Baltimore County Circuit Court on Saturday, Nov. 21, retired Judge John O. Hennegan and Judge Sherrie R. Bailey -- who are adoptive parents -- will preside over almost a dozen adoptions in the Old Courthouse Ceremonial Courtroom, 400 Washington Ave., Towson. The event will begin at 11 a.m. Immediately afterwards, the new families will celebrate together at a luncheon. The Baltimore County activities have been organized with the Baltimore County Bar Association.

Other National Adoption Day activities in Maryland Circuit Courts include:

--Anne Arundel County Circuit Court held its National Adoption Day event on Thursday, Nov. 19.

--Montgomery County Circuit Court on Friday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m., in the Ceremonial Courtroom, 50 Maryland Ave., Rockville.

-- Prince George’s County Circuit Court held its National Adoption Day event on Thursday, Nov. 19.

--St. Mary’s County Circuit Court held its National Adoption Day event on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

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(Editor’s Note: For more information about any of these events, call the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at (410) 260-1488.)