Great Lakes Wire

In order to highlight the efforts of adoptive families throughout Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) proclaimed Nov. 22 as Adoption Day.

According to a news release from the governor’s office, the recognition towards exceptional adoptive families was made alongside the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHS).

“Our children need permanent, loving homes,” Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the state’s child welfare system, said in the release. “If they can’t be safely reunified with their birth families, finding a family that’s a good fit for adoption is the next best option for helping children grow up with the emotional support they need.”

There are roughly 10,000 children currently in foster care in the state, including 200 children seeking adoption. Homes for teenagers are especially desired.

 “I want to thank the incredible Michigan families who have opened their homes and hearts to adoption, and I am proud to highlight just a few incredible stories during Adoption Month in Michigan,” said Whitmer. "Every child deserves a loving home, and we will continue working together to ensure that all our kids have a strong solid foundation and strong start for the rest of their lives.”

Around 10,000 children are in foster care in Michigan, including more than 200 children who are still awaiting a forever family through adoption. Adoptive homes for teens are especially needed. MDHHS initiative has been to keep families together, putting children with relatives and finding an adoptive home when a family member can’t adopt. Since 2018, the number of children in foster care is down from nearly 14,000.

The state celebrated Adoption Day by having adoptions finalized in the court system, along with passing out adoption information. In the fiscal year 2022, over 1,600 children were adopted from the state’s child welfare system.