Adoption Ceremony

On November 16, 2024, an Adoption Ceremony Celebration was held at the Fairfax County Circuit Court. This was the first in-person adoption celebration since the pandemic. The ceremony celebrated the adoption of a child into a very excited and welcoming family. Among the attendees were several family members and friends supporting the adoptee and their new adoptive family.

“I believe our role is to help make the day of their adoption something special and memorable; that they have a positive experience in the Court,” Judge Christie Leary said about the role of the Court in creating families through adoption. “So often people come to Court with disputes and things that are not always happy, and we want to make this a celebration. Something that they will remember and think of fondly.”

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Department of Family Services (DFS) Director Michael Becketts. Director Becketts noted National Adoption Awareness Month and the joyous occasion that attendees were there to witness. He introduced Fairfax County Board Supervisor Pat Herrity who presented an official proclamation for National Adoption Awareness Month on behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which had passed unanimously. Supervisor Herrity thanked Fairfax County, Fairfax CASA, the adoption agencies, and all nonprofits who helped make the adoptions happen.  The keynote speakers were Barbara and Kira Davis. Kira was adopted as a child and delivered a heartfelt address.

DFS Adoption Supervisor Tamiara Johnson presented the day’s adoptive family, who rose before Judge Leary and Judge Tania Saylor to finalize the adoption.

“Normally, when we have these adoptions, it’s one individual family that comes into the Circuit Court to get that finalization. Today, what was so remarkable is that we had a family, but we had so many other members of the community coming to join us. So, I think it’s beautiful to have that shared experience, and I think that is what made today so special,” Judge Saylor stated following the event.

During the event, it was noted that 14 children were adopted in Fairfax County last year. Currently, 60 children on Fairfax CASA’s caseload are waiting to be adopted. Attendees were encouraged to continue raising awareness about adoption and to support efforts that help every child find the stability and care they deserve.