The Michigan Supreme Court has opened nominations for the Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary service to Michigan’s children and families. The award was established in honor of former Justice Corrigan, who, as Chief Justice, focused on streamlining the adoption process and helping more children find forever families. Corrigan, who later served as the head of Michigan’s Department of Human Services, was responsible for improving services for some of Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens and has been nationally recognized for her dedication to child welfare.
“Foster parents step up to help because they love children and want to make a difference in their lives, but their efforts all too often go unrecognized,” said Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, MSC co-liaison on child welfare matters. “This award honors those amazing moms and dads whose efforts are so extraordinary in providing a safe and loving home to children in the foster care system that they inspire others to follow their lead.”
Nominations are open to foster parents who have a significant record of helping Michigan families and children.
The 2021 awardees were Hillsdale foster parents Mark and Debbie Berlin. For over 36 years, the Berlins dedicated their lives to fostering medically-fragile children and individuals of all ages having significant mental health and/or developmental needs.
To submit a nomination, complete the form available at https://bit.ly/3xHiUCo and return it by Friday, October 14. The winner/s will be honored during the Michigan Adoption Day celebration on Tuesday, November 22, at the Hall of Justice in Lansing.
