By Frank Weir
Legal News
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen Markman will once again be visiting Jackson County Probate Judge Diane Rappleye's courtroom on Friday, Nov. 18 to help celebrate Michigan Adoption Day.
The day is jointly sponsored by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Human Resources.
Traditionally, with assistance from local DHS offices and private adoption agencies, other Michigan courts finalize adoptions on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, holding celebrations for adoptive families and providing information about the adoption process.
Judge Rappleye will preside over adoption hearings from 9 a.m. to noon along with Justice Markman while Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Richard LaFlamme will preside over adoption hearings in his courtroom beginning at 1 p.m., according to Terralyn Brown, adoption coordinator for the Jackson court.
"Because Michigan Adoption Day is so close to Thanksgiving, our theme is 'Giving Thanks for Families,'" Brown said.
"It is hoped that Michigan Adoption Day will bring the adoption process to the public's attention. By educating people about the process, we hope to encourage more adoptions and provide more children with safe and loving homes."
Brown noted that Michigan has over 19,000 children in foster care at any given time, the vast majority of whom are victims of abuse and neglect.
"While some will eventually return to their homes, or be placed with relatives, thousands more are still in need of permanent homes. We hope that our event will help educate the community about the plight of these young people."
She said that receptions will be held after each adoption ceremony with entertainment for the children and gift bags.
Published: Thu, Nov 17, 2011
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