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Kent County, Michigan
Media Alert: December 12, 2023
Contact: Steve Kelso
PH:616-202-8376
EM:steve.kelso@kentcountymi.gov
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Kent County 17th Circuit Court to Host Adoption Day
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Dec. 12, 2023 - The Kent County 17th Circuit Court, Family Division will celebrate Adoption Day on December 14, 2023, from 9 a.m. until Noon. This year marks the 27th annual Adoption Day in Kent County.
This year's event is set to finalize twenty-five adoptions. Kent County dedicates a special day—Adoption Day—to spotlight adoption, aiming to heighten awareness and encourage families to open their hearts and homes to children in the foster care system. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that around 10,000 children in Michigan are in foster care, with 2,100 still seeking their forever homes through adoption.
"Our 17th Circuit Court judges oversee more than 200 adoptions in an average year,” said Kent County Adoption Case Worker Holly Hernandez. "We want to celebrate these success stories and get the word out that there is still much to do for Michigan’s unadopted children."
Credentialed members of the media are welcome to cover Adoption Day. While adoption hearings are normally confidential and closed to the public, several families have agreed to open their hearings to the media on Adoption Day and several have agreed to interviews.
Adoption hearings will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held every half hour in four courtrooms. Media who are interested in covering the event are encouraged to contact Kent County Communication Manager Steve Kelso to make coverage arrangements. Members of the media who are not able to pre-arrange coverage are asked to check in with County staff prior to the event on the 1st floor of the 17th Circuit Court.
"Adoption Day not only aims to raise awareness but also endeavors to debunk common myths about adoption. We often hear from individuals who believe they can't adopt due to various reasons," concluded Hernandez. "Both single and married individuals, regardless of wealth or homeownership, can adopt with love and patience as the primary requirements. Additionally, there's available support for most cases, aiding in the costs of welcoming children into their homes."
Those interested in becoming a foster parent can call 855-MICHKIDS.
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