Many children and teens will officially join their new families Tuesday, as courts around Michigan are celebrating National Adoption Day.
The day, a national initiative, officially takes place on November 17, which was Saturday. Therefore, many celebrations are happening today. Here in Michigan, there are approximately 3,500 children in the foster care system each year.
In Newaygo County, the 27th Circuit Court is starting its celebrations at 1:30 p.m. The courtroom will be decorated, several families will have their adoptions finalized, and a celebration with refreshments and gift bags will take place afterward.
Ottawa County is also celebrating the permanence of new families, with adoption confirmations beginning at 9:30 a.m. Those take place at the 20th Circuit Court/Family Division in West Olive.
In Lansing, a party bus of adopting families is pulling into the Hall of Justice at approximately 9:30 a.m. The courtroom ceremony starts at 10, and Judge Michael Anderegg of Marquette will receive the “Angel in Adoption” award.
Nationwide, the average child waits for an adoptive family for more than three years, and nearly 30,000 children don’t find a forever family before turning 18.
