On Nov. 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 event opened with welcoming remarks from 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,” Arnold said. “When a child finds a permanent, loving home, it strengthens families, neighborhoods and our entire county.”
Deputy Deon Johnson, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office chaplain, 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.
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 Judge Christopher Ferebee, circuit judge of the Unified Family Court Division. Families, supporters and community partners gathered afterward to celebrate the newly finalized adoptions.
