| CONTACT: |
Joan Kenney/Charlotte Whiting
617/557-1114
joan.kenney@sjc.state.ma.us
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 13, 2006 |
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Anne Marie Ritchie
Juvenile Court
617/788-6550 |
Ilene Mitchell
Probate and Family Court
617/788-6615 |
Judges to Legalize Over 200 Adoptions on National Adoption Day
To celebrate National Adoption Day, the Juvenile and Probate and Family Court Departments of the Massachusetts Trial Court will finalize the adoptions of more than 200 foster children by families statewide on Friday, November 17. This is the fourth year that the courts have participated in this state and national event, which is organized in cooperation with the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange and the Massachusetts Department of Social Services.
Juvenile Court Chief Justice Martha P. Grace said, “The Massachusetts Juvenile Court is proud to be a part of National Adoption Day in recognizing the importance of securing permanent homes for children. Presiding over adoptions gives us great hope and confidence for the future of these children and their new families.”
An estimated 75 adoptions will be legalized in Western Massachusetts, 40 in Central Massachusetts, and 80 in Eastern Massachusetts. Supreme Judicial Court Justice John M. Greaney will participate in National Adoption Day at the Hampden County Juvenile Court in Springfield, and Supreme Judicial Court Justice Roderick L. Ireland will be the keynote speaker at the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in Boston.
Adoptions and celebrations will take place in eight courts across the Commonwealth:
- Boston: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street
- Brockton: George N. Covett Courthouse (Brockton Trial Court), 215 Main Street
- Cambridge: Middlesex Juvenile Court, 121 Third Street
- Greenfield: Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court, 106 Main Street
- Pittsfield: Berkshire Juvenile Court, 190 North Street
- Salem: Essex Juvenile Court, 45 Congress Street
- Springfield: Hampden Juvenile Court, 80 State Street
- Worcester: Worcester Juvenile Court, 1 Highland Street
Probate and Family Court Chief Justice Sean M. Dunphy said, “The Probate and Family Court is pleased to join in National Adoption Day as part of our continuing efforts to promote permanency and well-being for the children of the Commonwealth.”
As part of the adoption festivities, many courts will offer activities for the children and their families, such as storytelling and arts and crafts.
Celebrated annually throughout the country, National Adoption Day highlights the joys and benefits of adoption and encourages families and individuals to consider adopting children who are in the foster care system. Nationally, more than 4,000 adoptions of children in foster care will take place on National Adoption Day.
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