Family Support Services and their community partners celebrated National Adoption Month with a special finalization ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at the Duval County Courthouse, where 19 children were adopted into 14 families, ranging in age from teens to infancy. Council Member Chris Miller opened the celebration by presenting a resolution on behalf of the City of Jacksonville, recognizing National Adoption Month in Jacksonville and Adoption Day on Nov. 22.

Amanda and Shanique Nowlin, both former child welfare workers who adopted their 6-year-old son earlier this year, also adopted their son’s 2-year-old biological sister during Wednesday’s event. The Nowlins shared that as former child welfare workers, they knew keeping siblings together was of utmost importance, and when they learned their son’s new sister had a birthday that mirrored Shanique’s, they knew she would be a special addition to their family.

Each family received cards and treats from FSS and a gift from the Selfless Love Foundation, as well as family passes to Florida’s state park system.

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Learn more about foster care adoption at our next Pop In for Permanency—email adoptions@fssnf.org for information or click here to go to the Adoption page.