Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta Trumbull County Probate Court Judge James A. Fredericka, center, is surrounded by the Field family, from left, Liviana, 15; Annalisa, 16; Rose, 8; Kai, 11; parents Norman and Chantle; Corbin, 2, and Lexis, 12. Corbin officially joined the family Friday morning during the annual Adoption Day in Trumbull County Probate Court.

WARREN — A courtroom usually filled with tough decisions turned into a place of joy and love Friday as Trumbull County marked National Adoption Day.

Before Judge James A. Fredericka, a local family grew by one when Norman and Chantal Field officially adopted 2-year-old Corbin James Field, making him the sixth child in their home.

The event, held in Trumbull County Common Pleas Probate Court, focused on the theme from the Disney movie “Frozen.”

It played off a quote from the character Olaf: “Some people are worth melting for.” The idea was to show that family bonds come from love, not just blood, and to bust myths about adoption.

Students from Warren G. Harding High School dressed up as Olaf and Elsa to add fun to the day. Artwork created by Lakeview High School students — under the tutelage of art teacher Jeff Piper — helped make it happen.

Attorney Aaron Meikle represented the Fields. He told the court the family was ready and that the adoption was in Corbin’s best interest.

Chantle Field shared how they fell in love with Corbin from their first hug.

“He’s very bonded to us, and we’re very bonded to him,” she said. Norman Field added that Corbin brings energy to their big family, which includes Annalisa, 16; Liviana, 15; Lexis, 12; Kai, 11; and Rose, 8. Lexis also is adopted, according to a representative from the court.

Cody Miracle, a caseworker from Trumbull County Children’s Services, described Corbin as a happy, friendly boy who loves playing with Hot Wheels and blocks. He said the Fields have given Corbin a safe, loving home since November 2023.

“It is the recommendation … that the adoption … is in his best interest,” Miracle said.

Fredericka praised adoption as a way to build families through choice and love. He shared a personal story: His own family name, Fredericka, came from an adoption about 150 years ago when his grandfather, an Italian orphan, was taken in by German parents.

“Family is not solely defined by birth, but by love,” the judge said.

Trumbull County Children Services Executive Director Marilyn Pape was there, along with officials like Commissioner Rick Hernandez and Judge Thomas A. Campbell from the Trumbull County Central District Court.

Hernandez read a proclamation declaring November as National Adoption Month and Friday as Adoption Day in Trumbull County. He noted that 14 children in the county were adopted this year, with more waiting for homes.

Pape thanked everyone involved, from caseworkers to families.

“Adoption is about unselfish giving, healing, hope and rewriting the future with compassion and love,” she said.

Fredericka urged those in the courtroom to spread the word that adoption creates strong bonds, just like any family.

Nationwide, more than 115,000 kids in foster care wait for forever homes. Events like this aim to encourage more adoptions and show that every child deserves a place to belong, Pape said.