MDHHS encourages Michigan residents to open their hearts and homes during Adoption Month

Lansing, Mich. - In honor of Adoption Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is asking Michigan residents to consider taking on the toughest job they will ever love by providing a forever home through adoption.

All children deserve a bright future with a loving and supportive home," said Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. "Many children in foster care have experienced trauma and need the stability of a permanent home in order to heal. Our Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, which focuses in part on promoting stability and wellness, helps to ensure that every child in Michigan has a safe place to call home."

In Michigan there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care which is down from nearly 14,000 children in 2018. 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 2024, MDHHS, along with their partners, helped secure homes for approximately 1,500 children. Currently, there are approximately 200 children in Michigan in need of an adoptive home.

Courts statewide, in partnership with MDHHS, are holding special Adoption Month ceremonies in November at which children officially become permanent members of their new forever families. The celebrations include an Adoption Day event hosted by the Michigan Supreme Court on Monday, November 18 at 10 a.m. which will be available to view online by visiting the Michigan Supreme Court website or by clicking here.

Anyone interested in adopting 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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