|
November 18, 2024
A Home for the Holidays: Ottawa Celebrates Adoption Day
Event Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Family Justice Center, 12240 Fillmore, West Olive
The season of giving thanks highlights the importance of family—a bond that forms in many ways, including through adoption. As part of National Adoption Month, celebrated across the country since 1995 and in Michigan since 2002, the 20th Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts proudly announce their 22nd Annual Adoption Day Celebration. This heartfelt event, aligned with the Michigan Supreme Court's statewide initiative, will take place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Adoption Day, fondly known as the "happiest day of the year at the court," honors the families, children, and adoption professionals who help create forever families. The celebration will include remarks and recognition by Judges Jon A. Van Allsburg, Kent D. Engle and Paul F. Kraus of the 20th Circuit Court, as well as Judge Mark A. Feyen of the Ottawa County Probate Court.
On November 12, 2024, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution proclaiming November 26 as Adoption Day in Ottawa County, underscoring the significance of providing children with permanent, safe and loving families.
Fostering Hope Through Adoption
In fiscal year 2023, more than 1,600 Michigan children found their forever homes through adoption facilitated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or private agencies. Yet, the need remains great: at any given time, approximately 10,000 children are in Michigan's foster care system, with nearly 250 awaiting adoption.
Adoption Day serves to celebrate families who step up to meet this need and to inspire others to consider fostering or adopting.
Quick Facts about Adoption in Michigan
- Adoptions are typically private, but on Adoption Day, over 30 courts statewide host in-person or virtual events to raise awareness and encourage others to consider adoption.
- Adoption is accessible to people from various walks of life, whether single or married. Adoptive parents do not need to be wealthy or homeowners but must have adequate resources to care for a family.
- Most children in foster care become eligible for adoption following the termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect. While the primary goal for these children is family reunification, adoption provides a critical path to permanency when reunification is not possible.
- Adoption support is available: approximately 95% of children eligible for adoption in Michigan qualify for financial assistance to help families with costs. More information is available at the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange.
Join us as we celebrate the families and professionals who work tirelessly to provide children with the love and stability of a forever home. For more information about Adoption Day or how to begin your adoption journey, please contact Circuit and Probate Court Administrator Susan M. Franklin at sfranklin@miottawa.org or 616-786-4123.
|
