By NewsLine staff
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s office hosted a special ceremony Friday to celebrate National Adoption Day.
The Nov. 21 event recognized four families who have grown through adoption this year and highlighted the continued efforts in St. Johns County to provide permanency and stability for children in foster care.
“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 emphasized the community’s role in supporting adopted children.
“Supporting children adopted from foster care is a community effort,” Arnold said. “When a child finds a permanent, loving home, it strengthens families, neighborhoods, and our entire County.”
Deputy Secretary Kate Williams of the Florida Department of Children and Families emphasized the dedication of local partners, the judiciary and the community.
“Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis and his commitment to supporting strong and resilient families, more children in Florida are finding the permanency and stability they deserve,” Williams said. “The adoptions finalized today 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. 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.”
In 2024, Family Clerks provided support during court proceedings that formed 70 new families through adoption. This year, 42 adoption cases have already been completed in St. Johns County.
Clerks play a vital role in the process by assisting petitioners, administering oaths, processing adoption petitions and providing certified copies of the final judgment.
Circuit Judge Christopher Ferebee, who presided over the final hearing during the ceremony, noted that adoption days are some of the happiest and most rewarding days for judges.
St. Johns County handles all family-related cases — including adoptions — under a Unified Family Court model. This comprehensive framework assigns one judge to oversee all matters involving one family, offering consistency and continuity for children, particularly those adopted out of foster care.
The celebration was hosted 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.
For more information, contact the Clerk’s office at (904) 819-3600 or visit www.stjohnsclerk.com.
