Press Release  Massachusetts Trial Court Celebrates 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 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.

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; Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in Springfield; and the Worcester Trial Court. The Essex Probate and Family Court held an event celebrating private adoptions in that county.

This year, the main media site location was at the Edward Brooke Courthouse. Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey, Juvenile Court Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem and Trial Court Administrator Jonathan S. Williams each delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. Formal adoptions in Juvenile and Probate & Family Court courtrooms followed the opening ceremonies at each of the courthouses.

"As we get ready for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, what greater gift could one give than the gift of love? While many people talk about making a difference, you have done just that, in a lasting and tangible way for your families’ future generations," said Trial Court Chief Justice Carey.

"This is a very special day in the Juvenile and Probate and Family Courts in Massachusetts. The adoptions of these children are a culmination of all the efforts by dedicated professionals working in the child welfare realm," said Juvenile Court Chief Justice Nechtem. "National Adoption Day celebrates the collaborative efforts of various groups who work toward achieving true permanence for children. The families adopting today are giving these children the greatest gifts one could give - a loving, permanent home!"

Hon. Terry M. Craven, First Justice of the Suffolk Juvenile Court, hosted the event at the Edward Brooke Courthouse, and State Representative Daniel Cullinane moderated. Other speakers included First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker; Executive Director of Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange Lisa Funaro; Department of Children and Families Commissioner Linda Spears; and Susie Buckley, who is an adoptive parent of two children.

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.

###