[Archived] Adoption Saturday Celebration Planned in Alexandria

Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner has proclaimed November 2003 as Adoption Awareness Month. In recognition of this event, the Alexandria Department of Human Services will partner with the Alexandria courts and the Alexandria Model Courts project to sponsor an “Adoption Saturday” celebration at the Alexandria Courthouse on Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Honorable Brian Moran, Virginia General Assembly Delegate, will be the keynote speaker discussing the need for adoptions. The Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court’s Chief Judge Stephen Rideout, who has been instrumental in establishing and promoting Adoption Saturday Celebrations, will also speak. Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Maurice Jones will give the welcome address.

Adoption Saturdays emphasize the collaborative efforts between local social service agencies and the court system. This special one-day event will provide an opportunity for the Alexandria courts and their community partners to celebrate finalized adoptions, make the children feel special, demonstrate to the community how adoption works, and show appreciation to the families who are the key to successful adoptions.

For more information on adoptions visit . For more information on Adoption Day Celebrations, visit .

EDITOR’S NOTE: An interview/photo opportunity is available with pre-authorization from an adoptive family. No other families or children have been authorized to be interviewed or photographed for this event.