Bergen Vicinage to Celebrate National Adoption Day

The Bergen Vicinage will celebrate its 16th consecutive year of participation in National Adoption Day on Friday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m., Assignment Judge Carol Novey-Catuogno announced today.  

Family Division Presiding Judge Jane Gallina-Mecca, along with Judges Magali Francois and Natalie Capano, will finalize adoptions for 17 children at the Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main St., Hackensack.

Preadoption festivities will include breakfast, crafts, and games. The celebration will take place both in person and via Zoom, and all participating families will receive gift baskets with gift cards, games, snacks, teddy bears, books, and personalized plaques.

The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the Bergen County Surrogate’s Office, the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Bergen County, and the vicinage’s Children in Court Unit are scheduled to participate. 

National Adoption Day is an annual event in which courts and communities in all 50 states come together to raise public awareness about the number of children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. 

Although adoption hearings are closed to the public, arrangements can be made for reporters to interview willing families upon conclusion of the adoption proceedings. For further information, contact the family division office at 201-221-0700, ext. 25202.