Duval County Courthouse Home for the Holidays ceremony completes adoptions for 24 children

Twenty-four children will have a new home for the holidays as the Home for the Holidays ceremony at the Duval County Courthouse works to change the lives of many this time each year.

This event gives children a chance to be a part of a permanent family before Christmas, so they can celebrate together as a family.

STORY: Jacksonville nurse who adopted severely abused twins surprised with gift on Jimmy Fallon's show

On Wednesday morning, the courtroom was packed with children and families at the Duval County courthouse.

Rose Miller stepped up to the podium in front of Judge David Gooding to officially adopt her 5-year-old grandson, Amari.

“He is a gentle soul, he loves hugs, he already told you he loves kisses,” said Miller.

Miller told us she adopted her grandson after her own son couldn’t take care of Amari anymore.

For many families, the whole process was emotional, and as the ceremony unfolded, there wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom, with people wiping their eyes and reaching for boxes of tissues.

Staff from Family Support Services of North Florida, which helps with adoptions and foster care in Duval and Nassau counties, stood close by, passing out Christmas stockings to the new parents.

STORY: Jacksonville man paralyzed in crash and his wife adopt after years of trying to have a baby

Now that Amari has been adopted, Miller told us she’s excited to take on a new role as his mom and give him all the love and support he needs.

"I watch TV and I play, I ride my bike and my scooter,” said Amari while hugging his grandmother.

“It’s Christmas time, so this is the best gift ever to have Amari apart of my family,” said Miller.

Another family even adopted seven children during today’s ceremony.

In total, 14 families were present at the Home for the Holidays event in its 14th year.

Cox Media Group