Adoptive children, parents celebrate joint future together

Middlesex County celebrates National Adoption Day

By STELLA MORRISON
Staff Writer

 Zach and his mother Ann Goodlow of Monroe await the start of the ceremony at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, where 25 families finalized the adoptions of children ranging in age from 4-14.  STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR Zach and his mother Ann Goodlow of Monroe await the start of the ceremony at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold, where 25 families finalized the adoptions of children ranging in age from 4-14. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR For 17 children and three adults in Middlesex County, the celebration of National Adoption Day means that the emotional bond to their forever families is now a legal one.

The children and their families formally completed the adoption process at the Middlesex County Courthouse in New Brunswick Nov. 21 after a vetting process that in some cases took more than a year.

“Everyone leaves the courthouse today with smiles,” Middlesex County Assignment Judge Travis L. Francis said. “The families and the children … are very special people who mutually enrich each other’s lives.”

National Adoption Day is celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year to raise awareness for children in foster care in the United States who are available for adoption. County courthouses throughout New Jersey finalize dozens of adoptions on that day each year.

While the formal adoption process for each child was conducted privately in court, the public recognition of the milestones featured dignitaries and a reception for the families on National Adoption Day.

“Beside being the emcee today, I am an adoptive parent,” said James P. Nolan Jr., chairman of the Middlesex County Bar Foundation’s National Adoption Day Committee. “It’s a pretty heavy process, and I certainly feel toward what you’ve been through. Now, we’re here to celebrate the culmination of all your efforts.”

Fatime Nela of Old Bridge was among the parents from 15 families participating in the county’s sixth annual National Adoption Day event. She formally adopted Derrick, 4, who is the son of her fiancé, George Lowenberg.

“It’s a feeling you can’t describe,” Nela said as she shed tears of joy. “I’m his adopted mom, but now, I’ll be his mom.”

After the day’s ceremonies, there were 33 children still waiting for adoption in Middlesex County, an “all-time county low,” Francis said.

“It’s really something magical to see,” Francis said. “Individuals — each with their own mix of needs, patterns and genetic history — come together with love. They have a joint future together as a family, not because they share the same genes, but because they share a common love for each other. … That’s a real success story.”

A featured speaker was Ivan Scott, who as a teenager was adopted by current Middlesex County Sheriff Mildred Scott and her family. Now a lieutenant with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, he credited his adoption as the key to his success.

“Without my parents adopting me, who knows where I would have been,” said Scott, who was adopted by the sheriff’s family after his first adoptive parents died. “This courthouse is very special to me. This is where I had my last name changed to Scott.”

Middlesex County Freeholder Deputy Director Blanquita Valenti said National Adoption Day is “a day worth celebrating.”

“Each family’s personality and relationships add to the fabric and flavor of this county,” she said. “I believe our community is even stronger today because of the bonds formed during this commemorative day.”

Approximately 4,500 adoptions were formalized throughout the United States in ceremonies recognizing National Adoption Day.

Contact Stella Morrison at [email protected].