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Kent County 17th Circuit Court Celebrates Families at 29th Annual Adoption Day
GRAND RAPIDS, MI (December 10, 2025) - Today, the Kent County 17th Circuit Court, Family Division, proudly celebrated its 29th annual Adoption Day. The event brought families together both in person and virtually, finalizing 20 adoptions.
“Adoption Day represents the best of what the judicial system is doing with families," said Judge Terence Ackert. "It’s individuals who are willing to humbly accept a child into their family. It’s people coming together to make that possible. It’s the people of the State saying adoptions are necessary, and we need to make them often and appropriate, and continue to work with families who are working towards reunification.”
Kent County dedicates this 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 3,000 Michigan foster children are available for adoption at any given time. Of those children, nearly 300 are still seeking their forever homes through adoption.
"Our Family Court judges oversee around 200 adoptions annually,” said Kent County Adoption Case Worker Holly Hernandez. "This special day not only celebrates these success stories but also raises awareness about the work that still needs to be done for Michigan's children in foster care."
"We are deeply grateful to our community and staff for their incredible support in making this day so memorable," concluded Hernandez. "Their generosity and kindness will bring joy and comfort to children and families on their special day, creating lasting memories as they begin their new chapters together."
For those interested in making a difference, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it’s becoming a foster parent, providing respite care, or supporting foster families in other ways, your involvement can help change a child’s life. To learn more about how you can make an impact, call 855-MICHKIDS and take the first step toward supporting Michigan’s children in foster care.
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Please credit all photos to Kent County.
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