Just in time for Thanksgiving, Michigan families from Houghton to Cassopolis will celebrate the addition of new family members through adoption on the ninth annual Michigan Adoption Day.
In an October 26 resolution, the Michigan Supreme Court designated Tuesday, Nov. 22, as Michigan Adoption Day, declaring that the event's goal is "to draw attention to children and youth in foster care, particularly their need for permanent, loving families, and also to promote efforts to help those who remain in foster care." Michigan Adoption Day is co-sponsored by the Michigan Department of Human Services.
Held each year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Michigan Adoption Day is aimed at highlighting issues for children and youth in foster care, including their need for permanent, loving homes. About 30 of Michigan's 83 counties are expected to participate this year, finalizing an anticipated 200 adoptions on or about November 22.
In addition to local events, the Supreme Court and DHS will co-host a program at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing. Governor Rick Snyder is slated to speak along with DHS Director Maura D. Corrigan and Chief Justice Robert P.Young Jr. The Hall of Justice event will include finalizations of adoptions for families from Ingham and Ionia counties.
The Hall of Justice is also hosting the Heart Gallery this month. The Heart Gallery, a photographic exhibit of Michigan children waiting to be adopted, is a project of DHS' Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange.
Anyone interested in adopting a child may call toll-free 888-200-4005 or visit www.adoptuskids.org. For Spanish, call toll-free 877-236-7831 or visit www.adopte1.org.
For additional Adoption Day information, see www.courts.mi.gov/adoption-day.
Published: Wed, Nov 9, 2011
