NJ Courts Finalize Dozens Of Adoptions As Holiday Season Starts

Dozens of families across New Jersey have an extra reason to be thankful this holiday season.

Courtrooms across New Jersey have been echoing with the sound of joy throughout November as they host finalization ceremonies in honor of National Adoption Day. The annual event raises awareness about children in foster care who are waiting for permanent families.

The celebration has become one of the most-anticipated times of the year for many court employees in the Garden State – and 2025 was no exception.

“National Adoption Day is a joyous and rewarding occasion,” Burlington County assignment judge Terrence Cook said, adding that the court eagerly anticipates the annual event.

“National Adoption Day is one of the most joyful days in our courthouse,” Monmouth County assignment judge Marc Lemieux said.

“At the same time, we use this day to recognize that many children across our state are still waiting for permanent, loving families,” Lemieux said. “We hope the day’s celebrations inspire others to consider adoption and the life-changing impact it can have.”

Some local celebrations have included:

In Essex County, 11 adoptions were finalized. Throughout the day, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority hosted a celebration at Rutgers Law School in Newark, where the families and their guests will be treated to lunch, games, gifts, activities, a photo booth, and music. Gifts include books, toys, gift cards for the children and supermarket gift cards for the families.

The Bergen County courts finalized adoptions for 17 children, hosting preadoption festivities including breakfast, crafts and games. Families received gift baskets with gift cards, games, snacks, teddy bears, books and personalized plaques.

In Gloucester County, members of the South Shore Stitchers Guild, including retired family division judge Mary White, donated handmade quilts for the children and families.

The Ocean County Vicinage finalized six adoptions, hosting its 19th annual celebration for adoptive families. A congratulatory event took place afterwards at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library with arts and crafts, family photos and food. The children and their siblings were also presented with donated gifts.

In Passaic County, 10 adoptions were finalized. Each child received special gifts, and families were invited to attend a reception at a nearby Dave & Buster’s afterwards.

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

• See Related: Joyful Families Prepare For Holiday Season Adoptions In New Jersey
• See Related: NJ Parents Recap Emotional Journey Into Adoption: ‘Love And Patience’
• See Related: Adopted For The Holidays: Watch These New Jersey Families Cry With Joy

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