WASHINGTON — For nearly 40 years, DC Courts has held an annual celebration to honor families who have opened their hearts to children in need of a loving home.
Saturday was the 37th Annual Adoption Day celebration at the Wharf. The event also honors those behind the scenes who help finalize dozens of adoptions in the District each year. That includes advocates with DC Superior Court's Family Division and the DC Department of Child and Family Services Agency.
During fiscal year 2023, a total of 143 adoptions were granted in D.C. A number of those adoptions unfortunately arose out of neglect cases.
DC Superior Court Chief Judge Josey-Herring recognized the dedicated judges who helped finalize many of these adoptions, giving dozens of kids a loving family to call their own.
The families who have opened their homes, hope their stories will inspire others to do the same. Of the more than 500 D.C. children currently in foster care, 58 are on the path to adoption, looking for their forever family.
This year, a Southeast, D.C. family finalized the adoption of Ezra Dolce. He now has a mom, dad and two older sisters. According to DC Courts, the family adopted Ezra, but maintains a beautiful connection with his birth family.
Benita Meadow, a single mom living in Ward 8, adopted two siblings. This is Meadow's second adoption. She was inspired to find the "perfect fit" for her family after the death of her biological son.
According to DC Courts, a loving couple adopted Zayden Tolliver-Simon. Baby Zayden took his first steps on his adoption day at DC Superior Court.
