Great Lakes Wire

Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to consider adoption during Adoption Month. This initiative highlights the need for permanent homes for children in foster care.

"All children deserve a bright future with a loving and supportive home," said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. "Many children in foster care have experienced trauma and need the stability of a permanent home in order to heal. Our Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, which focuses in part on promoting stability and wellness, helps to ensure that every child in Michigan has a safe place to call home."

The number of children in foster care in Michigan has decreased from nearly 14,000 in 2018 to approximately 10,000 currently. MDHHS prioritizes keeping families together and safely reunifying children with their families. When this is not possible, they collaborate with private adoption agencies to find permanent homes. In fiscal year 2024, around 1,500 children found new homes through these efforts. Currently, about 200 children are waiting for adoptive families.

Special ceremonies are being held statewide throughout November by courts partnering with MDHHS to celebrate Adoption Month. These events mark the official inclusion of children into their new families. An Adoption Day event hosted by the Michigan Supreme Court will take place on Monday, November 18 at 10 a.m., viewable online via the court's website.

Individuals interested in adopting from foster care can reach out to the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange at 800-589-6273 or visit www.mare.org for more information on available children. There is a particular need for adoptive homes for teens and sibling groups.