Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage to Celebrate National Adoption Day

The Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage will join courts across the nation in celebration of National Adoption Day this November, with special ceremonies honoring families as they finalize their adoptions. 

Cumberland County will celebrate Friday, Nov. 21 with proceedings beginning 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Cumberland County Courthouse, 60 W. Broad St., Bridgeton. Family Division Judge Michael R. Ostrowski Jr. will finalize six adoptions.

Gloucester County also will celebrate on Friday, Nov. 21 with proceedings beginning at 9 a.m. at the Gloucester County Justice Complex, 70 Hunter St., Woodbury. Family Division Judge Susan L. Olgiati will finalize at least three adoptions. The event will feature light refreshments and celebration bags for participating families. Members of the South Shore Stitchers Guild, including retired Family Division Judge Mary K. White, have donated handmade quilts for the children and families. 

In each county, the courtrooms and family gathering spaces will be decorated with teddy bears and fall décor to mark the occasion and provide a warm, welcoming environment for the newly formed families. 

Representatives from the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, surrogate’s offices in the counties, Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey, and the Superior Court will attend the celebrations in their respective counties. 

Salem County celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 13 at the Salem County Courthouse in Salem, where Family Division Judge Rebecca J. Bertram presided over two adoptions.