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November 25, 2025
20th Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts Recognize National Adoption Day
The holiday season is a time for gratitude, reflection, and family. As we gather with loved ones, it is also a time to recognize and celebrate the many ways families are formed, including through adoption. The 20th Circuit Court and Ottawa County Probate Court join the Michigan Supreme Court and courts across the state in recognizing National Adoption Day in November. This annual observance highlights the importance of adoption, honors families who have welcomed children into their homes, and raises awareness of the need for permanent, loving homes for children in foster care.
Adoption Day shines a spotlight on the joy of uniting children with their forever families and on the dedicated professionals who make these life-changing moments possible. While the 20th Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts are not hosting a public event this year, they continue to honor the tradition by celebrating families whose lives have been transformed through adoption and by recognizing the social workers, agencies, and community members who help make those connections possible.
Since 1995, November has been recognized nationally as Adoption Month, and since 2003, the State of Michigan has joined in this celebration to honor adoptive families and raise awareness about the importance of giving children permanent, loving homes. Locally, the 20th Circuit and Ottawa County Probate Courts proudly join the Michigan Supreme Court and courts across the state in recognizing this special occasion.
In fiscal year 2025, approximately 1,400 children were adopted in Michigan through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or private agencies. At any given time, approximately 10,000 children are in Michigan’s foster care system, and nearly 1,800 of those children are awaiting permanent placement with a family.
Local and State Adoption Fast Facts:
- Typically, adoptions are finalized in private, but on Adoption Day, more than 30 courts statewide are expected to host virtual or in-person events, to raise awareness and to inspire more families to think about adoption.
- People can adopt whether they are single or married. They do not have to be wealthy or own their own home, but must have adequate financial resources to provide for a family.
- Children in the foster care system become eligible for adoption following the termination of parental rights due to abuse or neglect. The goal for most children in the foster care system is reunification with their families.
- There is support for families who want to adopt. In fact, approximately 95 percent of children who are available for adoption qualify for assistance to help families with some of the costs of bringing children into their homes. More information is available at the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange website: https://www.mare.org/.
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