In addition to observing Thanksgiving this week, many Michigan families will also be “Giving thanks for families” by celebrating the addition of new family members on Michigan’s Tenth Annual Adoption Day.
Thirty-three Michigan counties are holding Adoption Day events on or about Nov. 20, the date the Michigan Supreme Court has designated as “Michigan Adoption Day” by resolution of the court.
The observance is co-sponsored by the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Department of Human Services and the Child Welfare Services division of the State Court Administrative Office.
The Oakland County Circuit Court Family Division was scheduled to conduct its 10th Annual Celebration of Michigan Adoption Day today in the Commissioners Auditorium at the Oakland County Courthouse in Pontiac.
During the celebration adoptions will be finalized and awards will be presented with a reception following.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. was scheduled to join judges Michael Anderegg from Marquette and Faye Harrison from Saginaw in finalizing adoptions in the Supreme Court courtroom in the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing.
Young said that Michigan Adoption Day provides a valuable window into the adoption process.
“Adoption finalization hearings are usually private,” the chief justice explained. “But on Adoption Day, the participating families and courts open these hearings to the public, allowing others to witness the final stage of the adoption process. We hope the experience may inspire others to consider adoption and will call attention to the needs of the young people who remain in foster care.”
“All children deserve a safe, loving and stable home,” former justice and current DHS Director Maura D. Corrigan said.
Corrigan said her department has undertaken “significant reforms to make sure we’re doing our part to make that happen. Because of our efforts and those of our partners, more children are leaving Michigan’s foster care system for permanent homes.”
There are approximately 3,000 children in Michigan’s foster care system with the goal of adoption; there were 2,538 completed adoptions in fiscal year 2012.
In addition to court events, the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) will have a photographic exhibit of Michigan children waiting to be adopted on display at the Michigan Hall of Justice.
Anyone interested in adopting a child may contact MARE at PO Box 980789, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. MARE representatives also are available by calling 800-589-6273 or visiting the website at www.mare.org.
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