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November 25, 2025
Adoption Day event held at Michigan Supreme Court to highlight importance of adoption
LANSING, Mich. – In honor of Michigan Adoption Day, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is celebrating the life-changing impact of adoption by honoring the many loving families who open their hearts and homes to children in need of a permanent home.
Courts statewide, in partnership with MDHHS, hold special adoption ceremonies in November at which children officially become permanent members of their new forever families. The celebrations included a Michigan Adoption Day celebration hosted by the Michigan Supreme Court Tuesday, Nov. 25. Held each year the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Michigan Adoption Day has become a holiday tradition, highlighting the importance of adoption and the need of children in foster care to find a forever family.
“Days like these are a heartfelt reminder of the love and new beginnings that adoption brings to children and families across the state,” said MDHHS director Elizabeth Hertel, who spoke at the Michigan Adoption Day celebration. “All children deserve a bright future with a loving and supportive home. Adoption is more than paperwork or a legal milestone; it’s a promise of stability, care and unconditional support.”
In Michigan there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care, a number that has continued to decrease each year. MDHHS first focuses on keeping families together and reunifying children safely with their families. When safe reunification is not possible, MDHHS works with contracted private adoption agency partners to find permanent homes. In fiscal year 2025, MDHHS, along with its partners, helped secure homes for approximately 1,400 children. Currently, there are more than approximately 170 children in Michigan in need of an adoptive home.
Those interested in adopting a child from foster care can contact the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange at 800-589-6273, or see biographies and photos of children available for adoption at www.MARE.org. Adoptive homes for teens and sibling groups are especially needed.
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Media Contact:
Erin Stover
517-241-2112