SURROGATE CELEBRATES NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY

Surrogate Heather Darling, Hon. Michael Wright and Others to Join Virtual Ceremony
For Immediate Release: November 16, 2020

Morristown, NJ – Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling will join the Morris Vicinage of the
Superior Court of New Jersey to celebrate National Adoption Day on Friday, November 20th at
9:00 a.m. in a virtual courtroom on zoom.

The virtual courtroom will open at 8:45 a.m. with the virtual ceremony commencing at 9:00 a.m.
The livestream will be webcast on the New Jersey Courts public channel:
https://www.njcourts.gov/public/channels.html.

Surrogate Darling along with the Hon. Michael Paul Wright, J.S.C., and other stakeholders will
speak in honor of adoptive families and children across the country. This celebration is also part
of a national effort to raise awareness of the more than 400,000 children in foster care waiting to
find permanent, loving families and to encourage others to adopt.

This year’s theme, “Youth Voice,” highlights the voices and perspectives of older youth who
have experience with adoption and foster care, and it also emphasizes the role that professionals
can play in engaging youth throughout the adoption process.

“Approximately 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year in the United States,” said
Surrogate Darling. “This year’s focus on older youth is key. They have a say in their lives and
should be heard in the adoption process. It is true that close and permanent ties from adoption
help to set young people up for success and provide an anchor as they grow into adulthood.”
The Surrogate’s Court oversees the adoption process for Morris County and works closely with
the Superior Court in finalizing adoptions and being a part of the official start of these new
families.

Although adoptions are closed to the public, reporters may contact Dawn Carruth, Assistant
Family Division Manager, at 862-397-5700, ext. 75180 with requests to connect with families
who are willing to be interviewed after their adoption proceedings have concluded