St. Johns County Celebrates 15 Children Finding Forever Homes on National Adoption Day
On November 21, St. Johns County hosted its annual National Adoption Day ceremony at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center, bringing together judges, community partners, adoptive families, and local leaders to celebrate the gift of family and recognize the 15 children adopted in the past year. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to commemorate the ceremony.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from The Honorable Brandon J. Patty, St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. Commissioner Sarah Arnold delivered opening comments on behalf of the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, highlighting the importance of community support and the County’s commitment to strengthening families.
“Supporting children adopted from foster care is a community effort,” Commissioner Arnold said. “When a child finds a permanent, loving home, it strengthens families, neighborhoods, and our entire County.”
Deputy Deon Johnson, Chaplain for the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, delivered the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by adoptees and children in attendance.
Speakers included Melissa Walker, Northeast Region Community Director for the Department of Children and Families; Rachel Hopkins, Circuit Director of the Florida Guardian ad Litem Office; and Shawna A. Novak, CEO of the Family Integrity Program and Director of St. Johns County Health and Human Services.
Commissioner Arnold noted the significance of the Family Integrity Program being the only community-based care agency directly supported by a county government in Florida.
“Our Family Integrity Program is built on the belief that children and families thrive when their support system is local, connected, and compassionate,” Novak said. “By bringing essential services together under one roof, we ensure families experience a seamless and supportive path to adoption. Every child deserves permanency, stability, and love — and we are honored to help make that possible.”
The ceremony concluded with formal adoption hearings presided over by The Honorable Judge Christopher Ferebee, Circuit Judge of the Unified Family Court Division. Families, supporters, and community partners gathered afterward to celebrate the newly finalized adoptions.
St. Johns County extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, professionals, volunteers, and adoptive families whose dedication makes National Adoption Day a joyful and meaningful tradition for the community.
St. Johns County proudly supports programs, events, and initiatives that strengthen community well-being, one of the six pillars of the Strategic Plan.
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