NJ Parents Recap Emotional Journey Into Adoption: ‘Love And Patience’

NEW JERSEY — When M.J. arrives for school in the morning, it’s like he’s the “mayor of the building,” his teacher says: it’s high fives and hugs all around until he leaves for the day. This is the sort of smile that the ebullient 3-year-old manages to put on people’s faces – including his new adoptive parents.

Joseph and Colleen Tkaczuk are among dozens of grateful new families who recently finalized an adoption in New Jersey (watch them speak about the experience in the video below).

At least 16 counties in the state put a final stamp of approval on 93 adoption cases ahead of National Adoption Day in November – just in time for the holidays. Read More: Joyful Families Prepare For Holiday Season Adoptions In New Jersey

As they do every year, courts across the Garden State put on a celebration for the new families in tribute to National Adoption Day. The annual effort has become one of the most-anticipated times of the year for many court employees.

In Essex County, 12 families were treated to breakfast and a magic show, as well as gift baskets with books, toys, and gift cards for the children, household supplies and supermarket gift cards. At the Ocean County Courthouse in Toms River, families partook in face painting and photo sessions. In Bergen County – where 15 adoptions were finalized – children received teddy bears, personalized plaques and gift cards. And in Union County, sheriff’s office employees dressed as superheroes and arranged for a visit from an ice cream truck and a portrait artist.

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According to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), more than 300 adoptions are likely to happen in the state this year, with 267 adoptions having already taken place as of Sept. 30.

The Tkaczuks – who live in Mercer County – recapped their own journey into the adoption process in a video shared by the NJ Courts system.

Having spent 13 years together, the Tkaczuks have tried to conceive on their own, but it hasn’t worked out for the couple. And when they decided to adopt M.J., it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, they said.

An overburdened court system required some patience – New Jersey’s family courts have been seeing a severe shortage of judges – but some “phenomenal” case workers went above and beyond to keep things moving along, the Tkaczuks reported.

“The advice I would give anybody trying to go through the process is be patient,” Joseph Tkaczuk suggested.

“Just be there for the child,” he continued. “Give him or her all the love that you can … show them that they have somebody there to care for them while things are taking their course.”

“No matter how you get to adoption – through the foster system or privately – it's a long emotional journey … period,” Colleen Tkaczuk agreed.

“Like anything else, it's not perfect,” Tkaczuk said of the pathway that led M.J. to their home. “There's always room for improvement. However, we're happy to be where we are today. And there are a lot of kids out there that need love… just love … period.”

For more information about becoming a licensed foster/adoptive parent in New Jersey, click here.

• See Related: Expanded NJ Law Allows Parents To Surrender Babies At Hospitals
• See related: Gay Couple's Heartwarming Adoption Story Highlights Critical Need
• See related: Adopted For The Holidays: Watch New Jersey Families Cry With Joy

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