WNEM TV 5 Want to adopt a child? Find out more on Adoption Day

Want to adopt a child? Find out more on Adoption Day

Posted: Updated:
By Craig McMorris, TV5 Anchor/Reporter - bio | email
SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -

There are 279 Michigan children available for adoption without identified families. The state is getting the word out with the annual Adoption Day event set for Tuesday, Nov. 22  with a ceremony in Lansing. It begins at 10 a.m. at the Michigan Hall of Justice at 925 West Ottawa Street.

There will be a news conference featuring Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Michigan Department of Human Services Director Maura Corrigan and Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Young. Several adoptions will be finalized following the news conference, with families and children from Ingham and Ionia counties in attendance.

In connection with Adoption Day Tuesday there will be events at The Bay County Courthouse in Bay City at 9 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. at the Genesee County Courthouse in Flint.

Gov. Snyder will also sign the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act, which begins the process for extending assistance for foster care, guardianship and adoption to age 21. The act will allow the Department of Human Services to provide continued placement and case management assistance to help ensure the success of young adults transitioning from foster care to independence. The new law should go into effect in early 2012 following federal review.

The state is actively seeking permanent homes for these children, preferably with family members if the child's health and safety can be assured. Michigan Adoption Day is co-sponsored by the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Department of Human Services, Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange and the Family Services Division of the State Court Administrative Office.

Also at today's event The achievements of attorney Daniel J. Wright will be recognized with a first-time joint award from the Michigan Supreme Court and Michigan Department of Human Services, presented by Gov. Rick Snyder. Wright is being honored for what the state calls his considerable contributions toward the betterment of Michigan families and children in crisis.

Similar events will be held in counties throughout the state.  For a complete listing of Adoption Day celebrations statewide, you can visit www.courts.mi.gov/adoption-day.

Copyright 2011 WNEM.  All Rights Reserved.