Families in Prince William County marked National Adoption Day with a ceremony at the county courthouse, celebrating new beginnings for adoptive families and their children. Judge Carroll A. Weimer, Jr., of the 31st Judicial Circuit Court, presided over the event and noted its unique atmosphere. “This ceremony each year is one of the few times that people actually want to come to the courthouse. It’s nice to see happy faces,” Weimer said.
National Adoption Day is observed nationwide on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to honor adoptive families and children. This year, five families in Prince William County adopted seven children.
Charles and Trudy McCullough, who adopted their son Charles 16 years ago, returned as keynote speakers for the event. Addressing those gathered, Charles McCullough said: “It’s such a great honor to be here today. You all are true heroes today. Everyone here is going to have a huge impact on your kid’s lives. Please remember to be there for each other, to help your kids to grow up to be good, upstanding citizens.” He also told parents that adoption is an unpredictable journey but one worth taking.
Their son shared his own experience learning about his adoption in school and how it did not change his relationship with his parents. “It didn’t really affect me at all. I accepted it,” he said. “I looked at them as my parents. They had been there for me my whole life. I couldn’t ask for better parents. I’m very proud to be adopted and very happy.” His father added: “Like every journey as a parent, it has been up-and-down, but it has been the joy of my life to be his father and to help guide him into becoming a man.”
Judge Katherine C. McCollam of the 31st Juvenile Domestic Court reported that 107 children have been adopted in Prince William County since National Adoption Day was first celebrated locally 22 years ago.
Several organizations collaborate throughout the process including the county’s Department of Social Services, Manassas Department of Family Services, Manassas Park Department of Social Services, Prince William Bar Association and Circuit Court of Prince William.
Adoptive parents attending gave their reasons for adopting—one saying she wanted a child in her life and another seeking to provide a safe home for children in need.
Weimer encouraged adoptive parents by acknowledging both challenges and rewards: “For those of you who are the adoptive parents, congratulations,” he said. “I know that the decision to adopt is filled with hope, happiness and not just a little bit of anxiety. None of those feelings will go away, but the worry will be overshadowed by the joy and love you will receive.”
He also addressed newly adopted children: “We celebrate you becoming part of what people call forever families. Your parents and all these people are here to celebrate your adoption – to celebrate you. Everyone here is part of your adoption and will be part of your lives forever.”
The ceremony concluded with Judge Weimer inviting children who had been adopted during the year up front so they could sign their adoption certificates.
Information about foster care and adoption services in Prince William County can be found on pwcva.gov/department/social-services/foster-care-adoption.
