When a newborn infant takes the first breath of life, there are unspoken promises that this world will not be a frightening place, and assurances that their environment will be nurturing and loving. In today's world, more and more birth parents are unable to fulfill these promises, so society must.

The families in Michigan seeking to adopt an infant far outnumber the infants available for adoption, while children who are state wards in foster care far outnumber the adoptive families available to adopt them.

Hundreds of children in Michigan are waiting for permanent, loving families. Some were abandoned as babies and have never known a mother or father. Some have been shunted from one foster home to another. Some battle birth defects, learning difficulties, illness, or the scars of horrifying abuse. All of them share the need-- and, we believe, the right-- to the security and peace of a place they can call "my home."

Services must emphasize helping families with adjustment during and after adoption. As children and families grow and develop together, resources must be available to support and sustain them.

Reduced time spent by children waiting for adoption, and enforced standards for quality practice, as well as helpful support of families, will reduce costs, both in human and fiscal terms. Saved dollars, reinvested in our children and families, and reallocated in areas of need, can help improve the situation of adoptive children and families in our state. With increased collaboration and networking among all parties involved in adoption, we anticipate corporate, federal, and foundation funding options to increase as well.