November time to thank those fostering, adopting

Dear Editor,

November is National Adoption Month. More than 3,000 children in the state of Michigan are in foster care waiting for permanent, loving families. Each year approximately 14,000 children are in foster care and approximately 3,000 of these children will become legally free for adoption. Another 300 children are waiting with no identified families for adoption.

When children are removed from their biological parents due to neglect or abuse, the goal is to reunify them with a safer and stronger birth family or find an adoptive family and permanent home. Adoption is a way to bring new families together. There is no greater gift for a child than a forever family.

Since 2011, U.P. KIDS has completed 22 adoptions in the Upper Peninsula with 5 adoptions taking place in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties. Foster and adoption parents are desperately needed in our community. There are children who need love and stability that only a parent or parents can provide. Please consider becoming a foster or adoptive parent in our community.

Nov. 25, 2014, is also the 12th year for Michigan Adoption Day with the theme, “Giving thanks for families.” Please take the time to thank family, friends or members of your community for giving the gift of adoption to a child.

For more information on adoption or fostering please feel free to contact

U.P. KIDS at 906-482-0520 or locally at 906-281-1729, upkids.com

Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange 800-589-6273, mare.org

Sincerely,

Toni Gregorich

Ironwood

Foster Care worker U.P. KIDS