New York — The Suffolk County Family Court held its annual National Adoption Day ceremony on November 12, 2025 at the Long Island Aquarium. Judges, attorneys, court staff, caseworkers and honorary dignitaries joined together to celebrate the adoptions of nine children and to raise awareness of young people still waiting for a permanent family.

Supervising Judge of Suffolk County Family Court Hon. Caren Loguercio presided over the ceremony.

“Today, we celebrate the incredible families formed through adoption,” said Judge Loguercio. “On this day, we send a message about the beauty of adoption, of creating forever families for children who deserve the love, home and commitment that will serve as the foundation for their hopes and dreams.”

The Family Court sat “in session” all morning, during which each family was called separately into a private room with a judge and clerk to finalize their adoption. The celebration involved plenty of fanfare for the children, including a face-paint station, a children’s book signing table and surprise guest appearances from Long Island Ducks mascot QuackerJack, therapy dogs from the Suffolk County Police Department and “Ariel” from Disney’s A Little Mermaid.

The event also featured a keynote from Justin, who adopted his daughter Lily from foster care. He shared their family’s personal challenges and triumphs when welcoming her into their home. He said the most gratifying part of all was whenever he would hear Lily thank him for saving her life or for being her most trusted friend.

“It is a lasting joy that comes from giving yourself away in love,” Justin said.

Lily also thanked everyone in attendance “for helping all the kids out there who need to find a better place.”

Thank you, Suffolk County Courts, for sharing this story and for your commitment to achieving permanency for children lingering in foster care.

Did you adopt a child as part of a National Adoption Day event or help organize a National Adoption Day celebration in your community? Share your story.