The Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) is now accepting nominations for the Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award and the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented during the annual Michigan Adoption Day celebration on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Hall of Justice in Lansing.
The Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Award honors foster families who have made exceptional contributions to the well-being of Michigan's children.
Named after former Justice Maura D. Corrigan, who championed significant reforms to the state's adoption process during her tenure as chief justiceas well as her time as director of the Michigan Department Health and Human Services, the award recognizes families who have gone above and beyond to provide stable, loving homes for children in need.
“Foster parents step up because they love children and want to make a difference in their lives, yet their tireless efforts often go unrecognized,” said Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, MSC co-liaison on child welfare matters. “This award celebrates extraordinary foster parents whose dedication to providing a safe and loving home inspires others to follow their lead.”
In 2023, Kristin VanderKam, a foster parent from Kent County, was awarded the Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award for her six years of service in social work and for opening her home to 12 high-needs foster youth.
The Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the service of Michigan's children and families.
Open to professionals across various fields — attorneys, judges, caseworkers, court staff, agency employees, nonprofit staff, and others — the award celebrates those with at least 10 years of experience who have made a lasting impact on children and families.
The award is named in honor of the late Daniel J. Wright, a key advocate for children's voices in court proceedings and a Michigan Supreme Court Commissioner.
Wright served as well as director of the court’s Child Welfare Services Division.
“Daniel’s legacy lives on through his work to ensure that foster children have a greater voice in decisions that affect their lives,” said Justice Kyra H. Bolden, MSC co-liaison on child welfare matters. “His devotion continues to inspire the Court in our mission to protect and serve Michigan’s children.”
In 2023, then-Michigan Appeals Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Gleicher received the Wright Award in recognition of her instrumental role in shaping child welfare law through her judicial opinions, concurrences, and dissents.
Nominations for both awards must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 24. The recipients will be honored during the annual Michigan Adoption Day celebration on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Hall of Justice in Lansing.
To nominate a candidate, complete the appropriate form and submit it via email to CorriganAward@courts.mi.gov or WrightAwardNominations@courts.mi.gov, or fax it to 517-373-9831.
Questions may be directed to Lynette Durnell at DurnellL@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-5322.
The Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Award honors foster families who have made exceptional contributions to the well-being of Michigan's children.
Named after former Justice Maura D. Corrigan, who championed significant reforms to the state's adoption process during her tenure as chief justiceas well as her time as director of the Michigan Department Health and Human Services, the award recognizes families who have gone above and beyond to provide stable, loving homes for children in need.
“Foster parents step up because they love children and want to make a difference in their lives, yet their tireless efforts often go unrecognized,” said Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, MSC co-liaison on child welfare matters. “This award celebrates extraordinary foster parents whose dedication to providing a safe and loving home inspires others to follow their lead.”
In 2023, Kristin VanderKam, a foster parent from Kent County, was awarded the Maura D. Corrigan Foster Family Lifetime Achievement Award for her six years of service in social work and for opening her home to 12 high-needs foster youth.
The Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the service of Michigan's children and families.
Open to professionals across various fields — attorneys, judges, caseworkers, court staff, agency employees, nonprofit staff, and others — the award celebrates those with at least 10 years of experience who have made a lasting impact on children and families.
The award is named in honor of the late Daniel J. Wright, a key advocate for children's voices in court proceedings and a Michigan Supreme Court Commissioner.
Wright served as well as director of the court’s Child Welfare Services Division.
“Daniel’s legacy lives on through his work to ensure that foster children have a greater voice in decisions that affect their lives,” said Justice Kyra H. Bolden, MSC co-liaison on child welfare matters. “His devotion continues to inspire the Court in our mission to protect and serve Michigan’s children.”
In 2023, then-Michigan Appeals Court Chief Judge Elizabeth Gleicher received the Wright Award in recognition of her instrumental role in shaping child welfare law through her judicial opinions, concurrences, and dissents.
Nominations for both awards must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 24. The recipients will be honored during the annual Michigan Adoption Day celebration on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Hall of Justice in Lansing.
To nominate a candidate, complete the appropriate form and submit it via email to CorriganAward@courts.mi.gov or WrightAwardNominations@courts.mi.gov, or fax it to 517-373-9831.
Questions may be directed to Lynette Durnell at DurnellL@courts.mi.gov or 517-373-5322.
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