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Mich. Adoption Day Events Scheduled Across State

DETROIT (WWJ) - About 200 Michigan families will have a special reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving: They will officially become adoptive families as part of the 9th annual "Michigan Adoption Day."

Mike Hester, spokesman for the Adoption Supervisor for Macomb County, said Tuesday's adoptions are open to the public to focus attention on the kids who still need loving homes.

"I believe we have 30 different counties that are participating simultaneously, by finalizing adoptions and holding events for adoptive families and educating them about the adoption process. And these events are not typically open to the general public, except for this date," said Hester.

Michigan Adoption Day, which always takes place each year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, is aimed at highlighting issues for children and youth in foster care, including their need for permanent, loving homes.

"There are about 14,000 children in the foster care system in Michigan and 2,900 children whose parents' rights have been terminated, have the goal of adoption," said Hester.

In addition to local events, the state Supreme Court and  will co-host a program at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing, where Governor Rick Snyder is slated to speak along with DHS Director Maura D. Corrigan and Chief Justice Robert P.Young, Jr.

Gov. Snyder is also scheduled to sign the Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Act, which begins the process of extending to age 21 assistance for foster care, guardianship and adoption.

For more information about adopting in Michigan, visit www.mare.org.

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