Politics & Government

Monmouth Courthouse Celebrates Adoption Day

Adoptions were finalized for 21 children on Thursday.

When Georgeann Vazquez became a foster mother to brothers Dwayne, 9, and Donovan, 8, four years ago, she said it was the happiest day of her life. However, the Keansburg resident and her husband, Juan, have a new date to celebrate: on Thursday, Nov. 17 the Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage finalized their adoption of Dwayne and Donovan.

“This is a very special day for them. The process took awhile but we’re glad we’re here. We’re very happy,” Vazquez said.

The brothers were among 21 children ranging from five months to 15 years of age whose adoptions were finalized during the Monmouth Vicinage’s sixth annual Adoption Day at the in Freehold. The event is part of National Adoption Day, an effort started in November 2000 by multiple non-profit organizations, according to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Courts across the country participate in National Adoption Day on the third Thursday of November, which is designated National Adoption Month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Today the spotlight is on children and the joy they bring to our lives,” Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge Lawrence Lawson told the packed jury waiting room in the courthouse basement.

Fourteen of the adoptions were arranged through the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), according to a press release issued from the Monmouth Vicinage.

Find out what's happening in Long Branch-Eatontownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

AnnMarie Juarbe, of Port Monmouth, came to adopt her two-year-old grandson, Tiernan, through a process arranged by DYFS. She began caring for Tiernan after her daughter lost custody.

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs. It’s a very long process because DYFS gives the parent every chance to make things right,” Juarbe said.

For Red Bank resident Steve Melletz said his wife, Adis, adopting a child from China took six years. The Monmouth Vicinage Adoption Day marked six months since they brought one-year-old Benjamin home.

“He’s really adapted to the U.S. very well,” Melletz said. “It took a long time, dealing with two governments, but it’s been an amazing six months. He’s just developed in leaps and bounds.”

However, despite the years and paperwork involved in the adoption process, ensuring a child has a loving home makes its all worthwhile, according to Beverly Daniels, an adoptive mother of eight and the guest speaker at the Monmouth Vicinage Adoption Day.

“Regardless of what they do, everybody wants to be love. These little children who are helpless at this stage are people who need to learn how to love, learn to be compassionate, and to learn how to be productive, That is our responsibility,” Daniels said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here