Surrogate Darling Celebrates National Adoption Day

Published on November 13, 2023

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling spoke in Morris County Superior Court today to celebrate National Adoption Day.

In her remarks Surrogate Darling congratulated the newly formed forever families and the professionals who supported these adoptions.  The Surrogate’s office has managed many adoptions over the years and today celebrates those formed in 2023.  Surrogate Darling acknowledged the thousands of children and youth in the United States foster care system who are waiting for permanent, loving families. 

This year’s theme “Empowering Youth: Finding Points of Connection” recognizes those who have needs and dreams and provides a platform for ensuring the right place for those involved.  “It is all about empowering youth to lead on the path to permanency and building networks of supporters to listen, follow, and lift them up throughout their journey.  Young people are the experts on their respective lives,” said Surrogate Darling.

The Surrogate’s Court oversees the adoption process for Morris County and works closely with the Superior Court in finalizing adoptions, making it part of the official start of these new families. The Morris County Surrogate’s Court supported the finalization of 45 family adoptions thus far in 2023, with an additional 10 expected to be final by year-end.

Surrogate Darling congratulated the professionals who help make these forever families saying that “once an adoption takes place your job is not over, these new families need you and your perspective in guiding them for a bright, loving future.” The Surrogate also gave special thanks to those in her office and in the Family Division who help make every adoption happen and who help bring these wonderful families together. “I applaud all the forever families and wish them a lifetime of love and caring,” said Darling in her closing.

For more information on the Morris County Surrogate’s Court, please visit the Surrogate Court Website.