Press Release  Massachusetts Trial Court Celebrates 15th Annual National Adoption Day in Courthouses Across the Commonwealth

BOSTON, MA — More than 130 children who have been in state foster care were formally adopted today in five courthouses across the Commonwealth as part of National Adoption Day, an event that raises awareness of the thousands of Massachusetts children in need of adoptive families.

The five courthouses that hosted National Adoption Day events this year were: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse in Boston; George N. Covett Courthouse in Brockton; Fenton Judicial Center in Lawrence; Berkshire Juvenile Court in Pittsfield; and the Worcester Trial Court.

This year, the main media site location was in the Worcester Trial Court. Hon. Carol A. Erskine, First Justice of the Worcester County Juvenile Court, hosted the event, and guest speakers included First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker, state Senator Michael Moore, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Linda Spears, and Boston 25 Fox news anchor Blair Miller, who is an adoptive parent of two young boys.

Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey and Juvenile Court Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem also delivered remarks at the Worcester location. Probate and Family Court Chief Justice Angela M. Ordoñez attended the event at the Fenton Judicial Center in Lawrence.

"Presiding over an adoption ceremony has always been one of my favorite responsibilities as a judge," said Trial Court Chief Justice Carey. "To the parents and families who have chosen to adopt a child, we are humbled and inspired by your example. You have given these most deserving children a chance for a new beginning. You chose to bring these children into your lives and to love them as your own. As we get ready for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, what greater gift could one give than the gift of love?"

"The children and families are today's heroes," Juvenile Court Chief Justice Nechtem said. "Their courage and kindness of heart, along with their unconditional love, makes us all so proud to serve in the Juvenile and Probate and Family Courts."

National Adoption Day is supported by the Massachusetts Court Improvement Program, which receives federal funds and is administered by the Supreme Judicial Court. Members of the Adoption Day Planning Committee spoke at the events. Committee members include court leaders and personnel from the Juvenile Court and Probate & Family Court, as well as staff members from the Department of Children and Families, Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and community volunteers.

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