Essex Vicinage to Celebrate National Adoption Day

The Essex Vicinage will host a virtual and in-person Adoption Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. at the Wynona Lipman Family Courthouse, 350 University Ave., Newark, Assignment Judge Sheila Venable announced today. 

Following her welcome remarks to the families, Judge Venable will join Presiding Family Division Judge John Zunic, and Judges Nora J. Grimbergen and Amy K. Manigan to finalize 11 adoptions for the families that have agreed to participate in the celebration, which will include breakfast. 

Throughout the day, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority will host a celebration at Rutgers Law School in Newark, where the families and their guests will be treated to lunch, games, gifts, activities, a photo booth, and music. Gifts include books, toys, gift cards for the children, and supermarket gift cards for the families. 

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

In addition to DCP&P, CASA, and AKA sorority, the program also is hosted by the surrogate’s office and the offices of the Attorney General and the Public Defender.  

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. Contact Assistant Family Division Manager Kenneth James at 973-776-9300, ext. 56731 for additional information.