The Burlington Vicinage will celebrate its 11th Adoption Day on Friday, Nov. 17 at 8:45 a.m. on the sixth floor of the Courts Facility, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly.
“This is a memorable day in the courthouse for all those participating in this event,” said Assignment Judge Ronald E. Bookbinder. “We hope the program will encourage others to help children become part of loving, permanent families.”
Adoptions will be finalized for 10 children. Judges Mark P. Tarantino and Gerard H. Breland will preside over the proceedings. A luncheon for the children and their families will be held at 11 a.m. at the Funplex, 3320 Route 38, Mount Laurel. The celebration will open with comments from Judge Bookbinder and Family Presiding Judge Richard J. Nocella. Judge Tarantino also will address the attendees. The luncheon will include families whose adoptions were finalized throughout the year.
The vicinage’s Adoption Day program is co-hosted by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, the Court Appointed Special Advocates program, and the Burlington County Surrogate’s Office. The Burlington County Bar Foundation provided toy bears for the children. Adoption Ops, Foster and Adoptive Families Services, and the Linus Project assisted with the program.
National Adoption Day is an annual event that celebrates families who choose to adopt, while raising public awareness of the need for adoptive homes. If interested in becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent, call 1-877-NJFOSTER.
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Though adoption hearings are closed to the public, arrangements can be made for reporters to interview willing families after the proceedings. Contact Donna Mazzanti at 609-288-9500, ext. 38124 for additional information.