For four St. Johns County youngsters, Friday, November 21, will forever be a day to remember—when hope and patience turned into a home.
National Adoption Day brought local officials together in celebration as children waiting for loving homes officially became part of their new families — just in time for the holiday season.
“National Adoption Day is one of the happiest days at the courthouse as our community comes together to celebrate these families,” said Clerk Brandon J. Patty. “Our Family Clerks are proud to support the court proceedings that help make these moments possible.”
St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold noted that adoption strengthens not just families, but neighborhoods and the county as a whole.
Kate Williams, Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, praised the collaboration between the community, the courts, and local partners. “The adoptions finalized toda and just in time for the holidays, are a powerful reminder of what is possible when our partners, the judiciary and our communities come together on behalf of children,” she said.
In 2024, Family Clerks helped form 70 new families through adoption, with 42 cases already completed in St. Johns County this year.
Clerks assist petitioners, administer oaths, process adoption petitions, and provide certified copies of the final judgment, playing a key role in making these permanent placements possible.
Circuit Judge Christopher Ferebee, who presided over the final hearing during the ceremony, called adoption days some of the most rewarding in his work.
St. Johns County handles family cases under a Unified Family Court model, giving one judge consistent oversight to support children, particularly those adopted from foster care.
The celebration was held in partnership with the St. Johns County Family Integrity Program, the Seventh Judicial Circuit, Guardian ad Litem Office, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.
“We are deeply grateful to the families who opened their hearts and homes, and we celebrate the new beginnings that each child and family will carry with them into this season and beyond,” Williams said.
