The Mercer Vicinage, in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency and the Court Appointed Special Advocated of Mercer County (CASA), will host its 10th annual Adoption Day Program on Friday, Nov. 17.
The program will begin with adoption proceedings in the ceremonial courtroom at 400 S. Warren Street, Trenton. Assignment Judge Mary C. Jacobson will begin the proceedings followed by Judge Wayne J. Forrest, who will also hear adoptions.
The late Douglas Michael Pine, adoption attorney and former state trustee of CASA, will be honored for his tireless work with Mercer County youth, and Judge Audrey P. Blackburn will be recognized for her judicial service. Judge Blackburn will then hear the final adoptions of the day. After the proceedings, adopting families and their children will enjoy a breakfast buffet and receive complementary family portraits by Main Event.
The celebration will continue at 2 p.m. at Team 85 Fitness and Wellness, 8500 K. Johnson Boulevard, Bordentown. Adopting families and their children will enjoy afternoon snacks and activities provided by Trenton Thunder, One Simple Wish, New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing House, the Mercer County Bar Association and Team 85. The Rev. Darrell Armstrong of Shiloh Baptist Church will participate.
National Adoption Day is an annual event in which courts and communities in all 50 states come together to finalize thousands of adoptions. The event seeks to raise awareness of the importance of adoption and to recognize caregivers who have chosen to open their homes to children in need.
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Although adoption proceedings are closed to the public, arrangements will be made for reporters to interview willing families after their proceedings conclude. Contact Bernadette Ernst at 609-571-4434 for more information.