November 19, 2019

A Home For the Holidays:
Ottawa County Celebrates Adoption Day

American poet Wilbur D. Nesbit said, “Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home.”  Many Michigan children, however, spend Thanksgiving without a family or home. On November 26, Ottawa County's 20th Circuit Court will finalize several unions during Adoption Day, giving these children their forever families. The Adoption Day celebration is held to honor families who choose to adopt and also, to inspire others to open their hearts to children without a home. 

Where: 20th Circuit Court, Family Division, 12120 Fillmore Street, West Olive
When: November 26. Ceremony at 9AM followed by confirmation hearings
Presiding: Chief Probate Court Judge, Mark A. Feyen

Local and State adoption facts:

• In fiscal year 2017, more than 1,900 Michigan children were adopted through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or private agencies. 
• At any given time, there are approximately 13,000 children in Michigan’s foster care system and of those, nearly 300 lack an identified adoptive family.
• People can adopt whether they’re single or married. They don’t have to be wealthy or own their own home, but must have adequate financial resources to provide for a family.
• Children in the foster care system become eligible for adoption following termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect. 
• There is support for families who want to adopt. In fact, approximately 95 percent of children who are available for adoption qualify for assistance to help families with some of the costs of bringing children into their homes.

Media Contacts:
Heather Blodgett | Assistant Juvenile Court Director-20th Circuit Court | 616-786-4139 | hblodgett@miottawa.org