November 01, 2026
WHEREAS, adoption reflects the strength, love and commitment of families who open their hearts and homes to children, providing them with stability, belonging and the opportunity to thrive; and,
WHEREAS, adoption creates new beginnings filled with hope and possibility, families also benefit from ongoing resources as they nurture resilience, healing and connection throughout their lifelong journey together; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan assists adoptive families beyond adoption finalization, recognizing that strong post‑adoption resources are essential for long‑term stability and supporting a child’s well‑being; noting that participation in these supports is voluntary and provided at no cost; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) contracts with local providers to operate the Post‑Adoption Resource Centers (PARCs), located throughout the state, that offer accessible, community‑based resources for families of children adopted through foster care, international adoption and direct placement. These centers provide comprehensive, trauma‑informed services, including education and training, case management, crisis‑responsive in‑home care, coordinated service navigation, peer support gatherings, community events and 24/7 phone assistance for families experiencing urgent needs; and,
WHEREAS, families that partner with a PARC gain access to a robust network of community‑based resources, benefiting from coordinated connections to local agencies, ongoing guidance, quarterly training sessions, annual conferences and informational tools such as resource guides, calendars of events, and family newsletters; and,
WHEREAS, we extend heartfelt gratitude to adoptive parents whose continued dedication and resilience help their children build strong foundations, and to the professionals — judges, attorneys, case managers, clinicians and community advocates — whose expertise ensures families are supported through every stage of their adoption journey; and,
WHEREAS, families seeking post‑adoption resources may locate their regional PARC by visiting the MDHHS website;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2026 as Adoption Awareness Month in Michigan, urging all citizens to honor adoptive families and to advance our shared commitment to ensuring every adoptive family has access to the post‑adoption supports that help children thrive in stable, nurturing and loving homes.
