Adoption Day celebrates new forever homes

WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island Family Court sponsored a special event to commemorate the 21st National Adoption Day on Saturday.

The halls of family court at the Kent County Court House in Warwick were packed on Saturday as the court finalized 20 adoptions for 15 families.

ACTS OF KINDNESS MAKING NEWS: Woonsocket family turns grief into holiday giving

“We’re lucky, we’re blessed and just happy,” said Serena Sifers who is adopting her granddaughter. “Took me seventeen years but we’re finally here.”

The celebration began at 9:00 am and each child that had their adoption finalized received a special gift bag filled with toys, stuffed animals and gift cards.

“I can’t stop smiling as I said, it’s the happiest day in family court,” said Judge Michael Forte, Chief Judge of Family Court. “This is really a day we look forward to its extraordinary.”

Also in attendance was House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi (D-Warwick) who gave opening remarks.

“It’s a beautiful thing the child wins the family wins the state wins,” said Shekarchi. “Every judge here is here on their own time and volunteering today to make this day a reality for those families and that’s just a wonderful thing.”