Essex Vicinage to Celebrate Adoption Day

The Essex Vicinage will host a virtual and in-person Adoption Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. 

Assignment Judge Sheila Venable will join Presiding Family Division Judge David B. Katz in welcoming the families.  Judges Wayne J. Forrest, Linda Lordi Cavanaugh, L. Grace Spencer, and Nora J. Grimbergen will preside over the 19 adoptions from 13 families that have agreed to participate in this celebration.  

The celebration will include breakfast for the families and their guests, gifts, crafts, and a magic show that will be livestreamed. Donated gift baskets will include books, toys, and gift cards for the children, household supplies, and supermarket gift cards.  The Office of the Essex County Surrogate will provide each family with a basket that includes a turkey and other items for holiday meals.

Information about the adoption process can be obtained from the Office of the Essex County Surrogate. For more information about becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent, please call 1-877-NJFOSTER.

The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), the Essex County Surrogate’s Office, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Rutgers University School of Law, the Offices of the Attorney General and the Public Defender also are hosting the program.  

Although adoptions are closed to the public, photographers and reporters can attend the virtual event and can arrange to interview selected families after their adoptions conclude.