Probate judge earns national honors for adoption efforts

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) honored Ingham County Probate Judge R. George Economy at the 2015 Angels in Adoption ceremony held October 6-7 in Washington, D.C. 

Judge Economy was nominated by U.S. Senator Gary Peters for his outstanding advocacy of adoption. For over 29 years, Judge Economy has been a probate judge and has presided over more than 6,000 adoptions. 

Locally, Judge Economy is well recognized for his actions on adoption highlighted annually during the Christmas season.  His actions and timing of the Court’s actions has highlighted the need for and success that can be achieved by adoptions.

Economy, whose term as Probate Court Judge expires January 1, 2019, earned his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Michigan, and serves on the U-M National Alumni Board. He also serves on the Capitol Region Community Foundation and the Sparrow Hospital Advisory Board.

The Angels in Adoption Program is CCAI’s signature event that provides an opportunity for members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad.

The program also spotlights the power of adoption through heroes such as Judge Economy who have made the dream of a family a reality for children. 

Former national Angels include former First Lady Laura Bush, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, Rhea Perlman and Kristin Chenoweth.

The CCAI is a 501(c) nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising the awareness about orphans and foster children in need of permanent, safe and loving homes though adoption.  CCAI does not receive any government funding and relies on the support of foundations, corporations and individuals.  CCAI was created in 2001 by active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan congressional coalition on adoption to more effectively raise congressional and public awareness about adoption to better support adoption policies.