Award recognizes work for Mich. children, families

Nominations are being accepted for the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award honoring exceptional service to Michigan's children. The award, jointly sponsored by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Human services, was established in honor of the late Daniel J. Wright of Grand Ledge. He was an attorney and longtime leader in child support and child welfare reform and was credited with the "Michigan Miracle" in 2002. As special assistant to then-Chief Justice Maura D. Corrigan, he led the state's efforts to upgrade Michigan's child support enforcement system by federally mandated deadlines. Wright saved the state $142 million in federal fines and earned the state a $36 million refund for fines it had already paid. Later, as director of the Friend of the Court Bureau and Child Welfare Services divisions of the State Court Administrative Office, Wright helped create the state's "Adoption Forums" to deal with adoption barriers that were stranding children in foster care. He worked on legislation to give foster children a greater voice in decisions about their lives. The law now requires courts to consult the child when holding a hearing about permanent home placement. Nominations are open to attorneys, judges, caseworkers, court employees, employees of public and private agencies, employees and members of non-profits, and others who have a significant record of helping Michigan families and children. To be eligible, a nominee must have 10 years or more experience in his or her field and must have a record of achievements with demonstrable impact. Call 517-373-0714 for information on submitting a nomination. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Oct. 1. The Wright Award recipient will be honored at the 2014 Michigan Adoption Day event at the Michigan Hall of Justice on Nov. 25. Published: Wed, Sep 10, 2014

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