November 24, 2026
WHEREAS, Adoption Day in Michigan, established in 2003 by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), celebrates the strength, love and commitment of families who open their hearts and homes to children, offering them stability, belonging and the opportunity to thrive; and,
WHEREAS, adoption finalizations occur throughout the year, Adoption Day provides a special opportunity for Michigan’s courts to highlight these life‑changing moments and honor the creation of permanent, loving families; and,
WHEREAS, adoption marks the beginning of a lifelong journey, Michigan remains committed to ensuring adoptive families have access to adoption‑competent, trauma‑sensitive resources that promote resilience, strengthening family connections and supporting children’s long‑term well‑being; and,
WHEREAS, Post‑Adoption Resource Centers across Michigan offer voluntary, no‑cost support to adoptive families, ensuring they have access to trauma‑sensitive guidance, education and local resources that strengthen and sustain the permanence celebrated on Adoption Day; and,
WHEREAS, these supports help families thrive beyond adoption finalization, reinforcing the foundation of permanence celebrated on Adoption Day; and,
WHEREAS, we extend heartfelt appreciation to the judges, attorneys, adoption case managers and dedicated child welfare professionals whose compassion and expertise help children achieve permanency and support families through each chapter of their adoption journey; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 24, 2026, as Adoption Day in Michigan, and encourage all Michigan residents to celebrate the love and dedication of adoptive families and to support continued access to post‑adoption resources that help children flourish in stable, nurturing, and loving homes.
