The Michigan Supreme Court continued its yearly tradition of celebrating adoptions in Michigan by hosting the first ever “virtual”‘ adoption day program on Tuesday. Virtual presentations also honored Cass County Chief Judge Susan Dobrich and Veda Thompkins, director of Detroit-based “Families on the Move.”
“While the program was a little different this year, the court’s commitment to finding forever homes for children in foster care is a priority that will never change,” said Justice Stephen Markman. “In person or online, the sentiment is exactly the same – the court is forever grateful to individuals and families who step up and make a difference in the lives of children who want nothing more than a loving home.”
Hosted by Justice Stephen Markman, Justice Elizabeth Clement and Justice Megan Cavanagh joined the celebration. Clement presented this year’s Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award – given to honor exceptional service to Michigan’s children – to Cass County Chief Judge Susan Dobrich.
“As her nominations says, to Sue Dobrich, ‘no case is ever just a number’ because she is single-minded and tireless in her dedication to making a difference in the lives of children and families,” said Clement. “Judge Dobrich is a mentor and an inspiration to me and to colleagues statewide because of her vision and creativity in finding resources and in developing new pathways to building strong families.”
Former Chief Justice Maura Corrigan presented the award given in her name to Veda Thompkins, recognizing her work with “Families on the Move,” an organization that advocates for at-risk youth, birth families, foster, and adoptive families. Thompkins, a foster mother herself, also served on Michigan’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
“Every child deserves a forever family,” said JooYeun Chang, executive director of the Children’s Services Agency at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “We have a special request for families who are willing to step forward and provide adoptive homes for teens in our foster care system,” said Chang as she highlighted the “20 in 2020: Meet the Youth” website, which includes in-depth self-directed stories using video, photos, and their own words. “These incredible young people have talents, hopes and dreams. We invite you to go online and learn more about them.”
The special Supreme Court event included Jeanne Meyers, who shared the heartfelt letter she and her husband read to their adoptive son Mayson, during his ceremony.
The court broadcast the Adoption Day celebration on its YouTube page, www.youtube.com/user/MichiganCourts.
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