19 Kids Adopted In Essex County In Time For The Holidays

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A group of families in Essex County recently celebrated a big milestone, welcoming a new adopted member to their household – just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Every year, the New Jersey court system holds a series of adoption day events throughout the state. The 2022 ceremony in Essex County involved 19 adoptions and 13 families; it was held both in-person and virtual, and took place on Nov. 18.

According to a news release, the celebration included breakfast for the families and their guests, gifts, crafts and a magic show. The families received donated gift baskets containing books, toys and gift cards for the children, household supplies, and supermarket gift cards. The Office of the Essex County Surrogate also provided each family with a basket that included a turkey and other items for holiday meals.

The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P), the Essex County Surrogate’s Office, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Rutgers University School of Law, the Offices of the Attorney General and the Public Defender partnered to host the program.

Want to catch up on some previous years’ adoption ceremonies in New Jersey? Check out the following articles:

• Hundreds Of NJ Kids Get Adopted In Time For Thanksgiving
• Adopted For The Holidays: Watch New Jersey Families Cry With Joy

Across the state, parents opened their hearts to their new children this year, including Toni and Kenneth Naprawa of Burlington, who are adopting three siblings while simultaneously building a relationship with the children’s biological family.

Court administrators said that people seeking more information about becoming a licensed foster parent can call 1-877-NJFOSTER or visit www.njfoster.org. For more information about adopting a child in New Jersey, call 1-800-99-ADOPT, or visit www.njadopt.org.

• See related article: New State Policy Helps N.J. Adoptees Find Birth Parents
• See related article: Gay Couple's Heartwarming Adoption Story Highlights Critical Need

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