JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — 18 children now have permanent families after a special Adoption Day ceremony Wednesday at the Duval County Courthouse, marking National Adoption Month in Jacksonville.

Families, judges and city leaders filled Courtroom 407 as 12 families finalized their adoptions — including the Nowlin family, who adopted two biological siblings.

Shanique and Amanda Nowlin, both former child welfare workers, adopted their 6-year-old son earlier this year. On Wednesday, they finalized the adoption of his 2-year-old biological sister.

“Being able to keep them together, that’s always been our end goal, and after today, it’s forever,” said Shanique Nowlin.

The couple said the moment felt full-circle after years of working inside the child welfare system.

“Today means just means, hone

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