Winter/Spring 2012

A spotlight on childrenwaiting for permanent &

loving families

The 2012 Michigan Heart Gallery Exhibit debuts on

April 21, 2012!

Visit www.miheart.org for dates & locations or to

schedule the display for your own event.

Welcome to the Winter/Spring 2012 Recruitment Periodical, published quarterly by the Michigan Adoption Resource

Exchange, MARE. Over the next several pages, you will be introduced to some of the youth in Michigan who are waiting

for their opportunity to have a loving, supportive, and permanent family of their own through adoption.

The youth in this periodical are representative of hundreds of other children in foster care in Michigan who are waiting to

become part of a loving family. To view these children and to learn more about adoption, visit our website at :

www.mare.org

On the MARE website, you will find photos, narratives, and video clips of waiting children, and a wealth of information

about adoption, including links to adoption-related resources.

If you have been thinking about adoption, we invite you to consider bringing an older child or children into your life. If you

have questions about adoption or are ready to begin the adoption process, simply call one of the agencies listed in this

booklet. MARE is available to answer your adoption-related questions, and we will do our best to get you headed in the

right direction.

The next MARE Periodical will be a special 2012 Heart Gallery Edition, featuring photos from the traveling exhibit.

M I C H I G A NHEART

GALLERY

2012

Adoption: Where Do I Begin?Who are the children who wait for adoption?

Adopting a “waiting child” from foster care is often referred to as special needs adoption. This term often makes people think of children with severe mental or physical impairments. In reality, special needs adoption means a child or children who may be difficult to place for adoption for a variety of reasons including:

• Children school aged and above;• Children with emotional, mental, learning, or physical impairments;• Children of minority heritage; and/or• Children who are part of a sibling group that must be placed together.

Many waiting children have had traumatic past experiences that may include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and/or severe neglect. Others may have been born drug or alcohol exposed.

Around 93% of children in foster care in Michigan are adopted by the child’s current foster family or a relative – someone with whom the child has an established relationship. The remaining children available for adoption, like those you see in this book and on the MARE website, have no identified family to adopt them. Recruitment of a suitable adoptive family is, therefore, necessary. Over 98% of the children available for adoption without an identified family are over the age of five; over 75% are between the ages of 11 and 18.

Who can adopt a waiting child?

Many people may be surprised to learn that they do not have to be married in order to adopt a child from the foster care system. Potential adoptive parents do not have to own their own home or have a lot of money. They must have enough space in their home and adequate income to support a child. It is important to know that many children waiting for adoption are eligible to receive support subsidies to help adoptive families meet their needs.

How much does it cost to adopt a child from foster care?

The only cost you should incur for adopting a child from foster care in Michigan is court filling fees. Some agencies may charge a fee for the Family Assessment, however this fee should be returned to you once you adopt a child from foster care.

I’ve decided I want to adopt a waiting child. What do I do next?

The first step in any adoption is an Adoptive Family Assessment, also known as a homestudy. Families must be approved through the Adoptive Family Assessment process before a child can be placed in their home for adoption. An Adoptive Family Assessment must be completed by a licensed adoption agency (a listing of agencies is on the last pages of this booklet and on MARE’s website) and can take an average of six months to one year to complete. The Adoptive Family Assessment will include, but is not limited, the following components:

• Personal History• Health Statements• Criminal Background Check• Income Statement• Personal References

Once the Adoptive Family Assessment is complete, you may start submitting inquiries to MARE about children you may be interested in adopting. When you inquire about children through the MARE website, your information will be sent, by MARE, to the child’s adoption worker for consideration. Your worker will also be notified that you have inquired about a specific child or children.

For more information about adoption and to learn about Michigan’s waiting children, visit our website at www.mare.org.

Aljahnay, 15, says, "I would like adoptive families to know that I can have a hard time controlling my emotions but I’m working very hard to do better." She is a young lady who enjoys journaling and writing in her notebook. Aljahnay thrives on positive attention and takes pride in the things she does well. She appreciates thoughtful gifts from others. Aljahnay enjoys typical teenage activities like talking on the phone, shopping and spending time outside with her friends. On the weekend, she reports, "I watch movies, sleep and help around the house by vacuuming, doing dishes and helping with laundry!"

Aljahnay is learning how to effectively manage her emotions and her responses to daily stresses. She is having difficulty embracing her adoption plan and may need an extended period of time to familiarize herself with a potential adoptive family. Aljahnay can become melancholy when dealing with her past. At school, she strives to do her best and benefits from guidance and assistance in mathematics.

Aljahnay is in need of an adoptive family who is skilled and emphatic in caring for children with special needs. It would be beneficial to Aljahnay if the family had experience raising children who have overcome a hectic past. The family will need to be patient and understanding that Aljahnay is hesitant towards her adoption goal and will need an extended period of time to adjust to a new adoptive family. Aljahnay will need a family who will advocate for her emotional, developmental and educational needs. It would be beneficial if the family maintained contact with Aljahnay’s siblings and relatives.

Stephan, 16, is a very friendly and outgoing young man. He is very polite and likes to shake hands with people when he greets them. Stephan likes to smile and to help others. Stephan tries to impress others and thrives on positive attention. He has a fascination with school buses and other forms of transportation! Stephan enjoys collecting model cars and buses, and likes to tell jokes. He has an excellent sense of direction and loves maps and geography. Stephan is very good at remembering details and describes himself as "A human GPS!"

Stephan states he would like to be adopted because it would make him feel good and happy, and it would mean that he belongs to someone. Stephan demonstrates knowledge of healthy coping skills and is able to implement these coping skills on a regular basis. Stephan needs a patient and loving family who can make a commitment to providing a stable and supportive environment. Established routines and clear guidelines and expectations will also be important to make sure he reaches his fullest potential. The family must be willing to support continuing services that are beneficial to Stephan's well being.

Samuel, 13, who goes by Sammy, is an active and lovable teenager. He enjoys playing video games and is described by others as being very compassionate. Sammy desires to be helpful towards others. His favorite foods are pizza and chocolate ice cream. Sammy would like families to know, “I am a normal kid.” If he could go anywhere in the world he would like to go to Hawaii so he could go surfing on the big waves. Sammy enjoys helping out with cooking and other tasks around the house. He enjoys playing with other children, even younger kids. Sammy loves dogs and playing with them; walking them is a big motivator for him. He also enjoys being outside riding his bike.

HOMESFOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

For more information on adoption or to inquire about any of the children in the Winter/Spring 2012 Periodical please call 800.589.6273 or visit us online at www.mare.org

Teaunna, 14, would like others to know a lot of different things about herself and reports, “I love little kids, I don’t like seafood or lasagna but I do love cake, pie, ice cream and I want a Nintendo and a cell phone.” Teaunna is a happy teen who has a great sense of humor and enjoys making other people laugh. She says, “The things that make me laugh are dogs, good jokes and seeing little kids having fun and laugh!” Teaunna’s favorite thing to do after school and on the weekend is to read a good book. When she grows up she reports, “I would like to become the first female President.” Additionally, Teaunna notes, “I love to take pictures and I love to go to different places, especially Kalahari the waterpark!” Lastly, she says, “I love dogs but I do not like snakes, lizards, fish, spiders or mice.”

Teaunna says, “I would like a family that will go to different restaurants together, that will adopt a puppy and have family movie and game nights!” It is important to Teaunna that she is allowed to have contact with her sisters, as they are very important relationships to her. The adoptive family must provide a caring and understanding home environment in which she can thrive. The family must be willing to seek out any support services that would be beneficial to Teaunna’s emotional and educational needs.

Shilo, 12, would like families to know, “I am funny, I like to laugh and I am nice!” She is an active young girl who enjoys playing games and playing with Barbies. Shilo likes playing outside, swimming, going to the park or beach, and doing arts & crafts. When she hangs out with her friends she likes to listen to music, play at the park and get ice cream. She likes stuffed animals and her favorite animal is a dog, especially puppies. If Shilo could go anywhere in the world, she would like to go to Disney World because she would like to get toys and see the park and the animals there. When asked what she is most proud of, she replied, “I am proud of my grades, I get A’s and B’s!”

Shilo reports, “I would like to go shopping, visit Disney World and adopt a dog with my forever family!” An adoptive family for Shilo would need to have patience and understanding when it comes to her transitioning into the family setting. Shilo thrives with unconditional love and support. It would be beneficial to Shilo if she were the only or youngest child in the home with older adult children (late high school or college aged). The family must be strong advocates for Shilo at home, in the community and at school to make sure that all of her needs are being met. It is important to Shilo that she is able to maintain contact with her siblings, who are in another adoptive placement, as she has strong bonds with them.

Marcus, 16, is an intelligent young man who likes to be independent and do things on his own. He describes himself as “a Pokemon Master” referring to his favorite game to play on Nintendo DS. Marcus enjoys playing outside, running, playing basketball and attending school. He likes food and his favorite is an omelet! Marcus dislikes salad but states, “there really is not anything I don’t like to eat and I even like Brussels sprouts!” While he enjoys his Nintendo DS, he says he does not like to watch television. Additionally, Marcus notes, “I fall asleep during movies but I like to watch the news!” He likes to share knowledge with others and is willing to help his peers with homework or when they are facing difficulties.

Marcus is expected to do very well in an adoptive home and will need a family who will make sure all of his needs are met. He thrives in a structured environment where he has clear guidelines of what is expected of him and what the consequences are. The adoptive family should have knowledge of children on the Autism Spectrum or be willing to learn about it. The family will need to make a commitment to help Marcus continue with his therapeutic services as he learns about himself and his past experiences. The family will need to make sure he maintains contact with his siblings as he is very bonded with them.

Anthony, 15, is a high energy child who has an affinity towards the holidays. His favorite holiday is Christmas and he looks forward to the time of year that Christmas songs will be played on the radio. Anthony enjoys eating and likes to eat at McDonald’s and Chinese restaurants. He is described by others as “bubbly, outgoing and very social around people he is familiar with!” Anthony is very excitable and is always on the go.

Anthony is in need of a family with a strong and stable support system. The family will need to be patient, flexible and have a calm and reassuring personality when dealing with the stresses of daily life. The adoptive family will need to provide Anthony with positive reinforcement and use alternative disciplinary methods. Anthony will need constant supervision, support and advocacy in the school environment. The family must be willing to seek out any additional support services that would be beneficial to Anthony’s needs. It may be in Anthony’s best interest if he was the youngest child in the home. It will be important to help Anthony transition into a new home while allowing him to maintain contact with his former foster family and his brother whom he has a close relationship with.

Bradley, 8, is a ball of energy who always has a smile on his face. He enjoys playing the Wii and board games. Bradley enjoys being outdoors and likes playing with his building blocks. He is very inquisitive and active. Bradley says, "My favorite thing to do on the weekend is playing with other kids!" His worker adds, "Bradley has a big personality; he is friendly, loving and affectionate!"

Bradley is learning how to share and how to wait his turn. Bradley will need guidance on expressing his thoughts and feelings effectively. Bradley's worker reports, "Bradley can become easily distracted and can become fixated on completing a task and will be frustrated when it is time to move on."

An adoptive family for Bradley will need to be patient and be able to meet all of his needs. The ideal family will be very active and he would be the youngest child in the home with no small pets. A family will have to provide him with a highly structured environment with constant supervision. An adoptive family for Bradley would have to be patient and have a good understanding of children who have overcome difficult pasts. Bradley needs a family that can offer him assistance in developing proper coping skills and offer him unconditional love and a life long commitment to his well being.

Tristin, 15, is a friendly, outgoing, and charming child. He loves going to school and excels in his school work. He has a great sense of humor, and enjoys being active in sports. Tristin is sensitive and bright and has a desire to connect with other people. He is also adventurous and likes to try new things.

Tristin will try to test the limits of his caregivers and needs a family who will work with him through his feelings and behaviors when he is upset or feeling discontent. He is an independent child and enjoys making friends. Tristin is learning how to respect others personal space and boundaries. He is described as the “class clown”, and as an A-B student, he is doing great academically!

Tristin needs a family who can give him routine, consistency and set boundaries, but at the same time offer him some freedom to make age-appropriate choices for himself to help him grow. Tristin needs a family who is willing to give him space when he needs it and someone who can assist him in de-escalating when he is feeling overwhelmed. Tristin needs to maintain a relationship with a birth relative and his siblings, and needs a family who will support him in doing so. Tristin would do best in an adoptive home where he would be the youngest child in the home as he benefits from individual attention.

Brendon has a desire to be adopted by a loving and flexible family. Brendon would benefit from a family who had a strong male role model. He would benefit from a family that would be able to understand the tumultuous past he experienced. The family will need to advocate for Brendon at school and in the community. The adoptive family should be understanding, flexible and supportive, yet firm and consistent in establishing and following through with rules. The family must be prepared to work with Brendon to ensure he respects and clearly understands the rules to give him a chance at success in the home. Brendon may have difficulty forming a bond with a new family right away and will need a period of transition and understanding as he learns to be more trusting and accepting. The family must be willing to seek out any services that may be beneficial to Brendon’s needs. The adoptive family should help Brendon maintain contact with his siblings.

Brendon, 15, is an honest and outgoing young teen. He has a humorous side to his personality and is quite pleasant. Brendon has a great smile and enjoys receiving attention. He likes to play on the computer, draw and build things. Brendon is quite the entrepreneur and earns money cutting lawns during the summer! He looks forward to having a real job in the future. He likes being active and playing sports, especially football. When he grows up Brendon says, “I would like to work in the tech business field creating computer games!” He enjoys golfing, bowling, video and computer gaming. Brendon enjoys listening to heavy metal music, like Korn, Godsmack and Drowning Pool. He enjoys being around and talking with others.

For more information on adoption or to inquire about any of the children in the Winter/Spring 2012 Periodical please call 800.589.6273 or visit us online at www.mare.orgHOMES

FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE HOMESFOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Shante, 10, is a loving and affectionate young girl who only wants to be loved and accepted. She loves to play outside and work in the garden with her foster parent. Shante loves to read and play games. She has three young siblings, matched with another adoptive family, whom she loves to visit and spend time with. Shante is interested in learning how to cook and loves to eat all different kinds of food. She states that she is fun to be around and that she enjoys being silly and playing with friends. Shante loves school and looks forward to going everyday. She really loves animals and would like to have a pet.

Shante would benefit from a family who can offer her patience and give her time to establish loving and trusting family bonds within the home. The family should understand that an extended transitional period will be beneficial to Shante to help her adjust to a new adoptive home. It is important that the adoptive family is willing to be an active and vociferous advocate for Shante’s needs in the community, to ensure she receives all of the tools necessary to help her achieve success in life.

Raise Your Voice for Special Needs Adoption

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2012HGM I C H I G A N

EART ALLERY

IS A PROGRAM OF THE JUDSON CENTER AND IS FUNDED BY THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

Sabrina, 15by Angie Baan for the

Michigan Heart Gallery

The Michigan Heart Gallery is a traveling photographic exhibit featuring children in the Michigan foster care system waiting for

their forever family.

The 2012 Michigan Heart Gallery will make its debut on April 21st. It will then begin its year-long tour across the state of Michigan to

promote foster care adoption throughout the state.

To schedule the Michigan Heart Gallery for your place of business, event or community please visit www.miheart.org or

call 800.589.6273

S P R I N G RecruitmentE v e n t s

Upper Peninsula Match Party*

Saturday May 19, 2012

Genesee County Match Party*

Saturday June 9, 2012

Circle of LightTuesday, April 24, 2012

6pm - 7pmCARE House

44765 Woodward Ave.Pontiac, MI

* Match Parties can be attended by families with a current approved homestudy. For more information on any event listed please contact MARE at 800.589.6273

Diontae, 15

MAFAK ConferenceTuesday, April 26- April 29, 2012Causeway Bay HotelLansing, MIRegister at www.mafak.co

St. Vincent Catholic Charities& Wendy’s Wonderful KidsArt GalaSunday, May 6, 2012Old Town, Lansing, MI

Celebration for Young ChildrenSaturday, April 28, 2012

11am - 2 pmCity Opera House

& Downtown Traverse CityTraverse City, MI

Adoption Agencies in MichiganThe following is a list of adoption agencies whose primary focus is facilitating the adoption of children from the foster care system. Many of these agencies may also provide foster care services. This agency list is organized by regions of the state. Please contact an agency in your area if you are interested in beginning the adoption process.

UPPER PENINSULAAnishnabek Community & Family Services, Sault Ste. Marie, (800) 726-0093, www.saulttribe.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Escanaba, (906) 786-7212, www.dioceseofmarquette.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Iron Mountain, (906) 774-3323, www.dioceseofmarquette.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Marquette, (906) 228-8630, www.dioceseofmarquette.orgChild & Family Services of the U.P., Marquette, (906) 228-4050, www.cfsup.orgLutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper MI, Marquette, (906) 226-2160, www.lsswis.orgMichigan Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA), Baraga, (906) 353-4201, www.micwa.orgMichigan Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA), Wilson, (906) 466-9221, www.micwa.orgTeaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan, Marquette, (906) 249-5437, www.teachingfamilyhomes.org Upper Peninsula Family Solutions, Marquette, (906) 273-1095

NORTHERN & CENTRAL LOWER MICHIGANAdoption Option Inc., Midland, (989) 839-0534, www.adoptionoptioninc.org Bethany Christian Services, Fremont, (800) 924-3390, www.bethany.org/fremontBethany Christian Services, Traverse City, (231) 995-0870, www.bethany.org/traversecity Catholic Family Services of the Diocese of Saginaw, Bay City, (989) 892-2504Child and Family Services of Northeast MI, Alpena, (989) 356-4567, www.cfsnemi.orgChild and Family Services of Northwest MI, Traverse City, (231) 946-8975, www.cfsnwmi.orgEagle Village, Hersey, (231) 832-7270, www.eaglevillage.orgIonia/Montcalm DHS, Stanton, (989) 831-8400Lutheran Adoption Service, Bay City, (989) 686-3170, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Clare, (989) 386-2101, www.lasadoption.orgMidland/Isabella DHS, Midland, (989) 835-7040Mecosta/Oceana/Osceola/Lake/Mason/Newaygo DHS, Big Rapids, (231) 796-4300New Light Child & Family Consultants, Millington, (989) 871-6695, www.newlightconsultants.netSaginaw/Shiawassee DHS, Saginaw, (989) 758-2284

TRI-COUNTY AREA (WAYNE, OAKLAND, AND MACOMB)Adoption Options Worldwide, West Bloomfield, (248) 855-2813, www.adoptionoptionsworldwide.comBethany Christian Services, Madison Heights, (248) 414-4080, www.bethany.org/madisonheightsCatholic Social Services of Wayne County, Detroit, (313) 883-2100, www.csswayne.orgChildhelp, Southfield, (248) 353-0921, www.childhelp.org The Children’s Center of Wayne County, Detroit, (313) 832-3555, www.thechildrenscenter.com Ennis Center for Children, Detroit, (313) 342-2699, www.enniscenter.orgEnnis Center for Children, Pontiac, (248) 334-2715, www.enniscenter.orgFamily Adoption Consultants, Utica, (586) 726-2988, www.facadopt.orgForever Families, Novi, (248) 344-9606, www.forever-families.org Homes for Black Children, Detroit, (313) 961-4777, www.homesforblackchildren.orgJudson Center, Redford, (313) 794-5653, www.judsoncenter.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Southfield, (248) 423-2770, www.lasadoption.orgMacomb County DHS, Clinton Township, (586) 228-5483Methodist Children’s Home, Detroit, (313) 531-4060, www.themethodistchildrenshome.comOakland County DHS, Pontiac, (248) 975-5400Oakland Family Services, Pontiac, (248) 858-7766, www.oaklandfamilyservices.orgOrchards Children’s Services, Southfield, (248) 593-2175, www.orchards.orgSpaulding for Children, Southfield, (248) 443-7080, www.spaulding.orgSpectrum Human Services, Southfield, (248) 552-8020, www.spectrumhuman.orgSt. Francis Family Center/Catholic Social Services of Oakland, Southfield, (248) 552-0750, www.cssoc.orgWayne County DHS, Detroit, (313) 396-KIDSWolverine Human Services, Taylor, (888) 625-8669, www.wolverinehs.org

Adoption Agencies in MichiganThe following is a list of adoption agencies whose primary focus is facilitating the adoption of children from the foster care system. Many of these agencies may also provide foster care services. This agency list is organized by regions of the state. Please contact an agency in your area if you are interested in beginning the adoption process.

UPPER PENINSULAAnishnabek Community & Family Services, Sault Ste. Marie, (800) 726-0093, www.saulttribe.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Escanaba, (906) 786-7212, www.dioceseofmarquette.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Iron Mountain, (906) 774-3323, www.dioceseofmarquette.orgCatholic Social Services of the U.P., Marquette, (906) 228-8630, www.dioceseofmarquette.orgChild & Family Services of the U.P., Marquette, (906) 228-4050, www.cfsup.orgLutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper MI, Marquette, (906) 226-2160, www.lsswis.orgMichigan Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA), Baraga, (906) 353-4201, www.micwa.orgMichigan Indian Child Welfare Agency (MICWA), Wilson, (906) 466-9221, www.micwa.orgTeaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan, Marquette, (906) 249-5437, www.teachingfamilyhomes.org Upper Peninsula Family Solutions, Marquette, (906) 273-1095

NORTHERN & CENTRAL LOWER MICHIGANAdoption Option Inc., Midland, (989) 839-0534, www.adoptionoptioninc.org Bethany Christian Services, Fremont, (800) 924-3390, www.bethany.org/fremontBethany Christian Services, Traverse City, (231) 995-0870, www.bethany.org/traversecity Catholic Family Services of the Diocese of Saginaw, Bay City, (989) 892-2504Child and Family Services of Northeast MI, Alpena, (989) 356-4567, www.cfsnemi.orgChild and Family Services of Northwest MI, Traverse City, (231) 946-8975, www.cfsnwmi.orgEagle Village, Hersey, (231) 832-7270, www.eaglevillage.orgIonia/Montcalm DHS, Stanton, (989) 831-8400Lutheran Adoption Service, Bay City, (989) 686-3170, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Clare, (989) 386-2101, www.lasadoption.orgMidland/Isabella DHS, Midland, (989) 835-7040Mecosta/Oceana/Osceola/Lake/Mason/Newaygo DHS, Big Rapids, (231) 796-4300New Light Child & Family Consultants, Millington, (989) 871-6695, www.newlightconsultants.netSaginaw/Shiawassee DHS, Saginaw, (989) 758-2284

TRI-COUNTY AREA (WAYNE, OAKLAND, AND MACOMB)Adoption Options Worldwide, West Bloomfield, (248) 855-2813, www.adoptionoptionsworldwide.comBethany Christian Services, Madison Heights, (248) 414-4080, www.bethany.org/madisonheightsCatholic Social Services of Wayne County, Detroit, (313) 883-2100, www.csswayne.orgChildhelp, Southfield, (248) 353-0921, www.childhelp.org The Children’s Center of Wayne County, Detroit, (313) 832-3555, www.thechildrenscenter.com Ennis Center for Children, Detroit, (313) 342-2699, www.enniscenter.orgEnnis Center for Children, Pontiac, (248) 334-2715, www.enniscenter.orgFamily Adoption Consultants, Utica, (586) 726-2988, www.facadopt.orgForever Families, Novi, (248) 344-9606, www.forever-families.org Homes for Black Children, Detroit, (313) 961-4777, www.homesforblackchildren.orgJudson Center, Redford, (313) 794-5653, www.judsoncenter.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Southfield, (248) 423-2770, www.lasadoption.orgMacomb County DHS, Clinton Township, (586) 228-5483Methodist Children’s Home, Detroit, (313) 531-4060, www.themethodistchildrenshome.comOakland County DHS, Pontiac, (248) 975-5400Oakland Family Services, Pontiac, (248) 858-7766, www.oaklandfamilyservices.orgOrchards Children’s Services, Southfield, (248) 593-2175, www.orchards.orgSpaulding for Children, Southfield, (248) 443-7080, www.spaulding.orgSpectrum Human Services, Southfield, (248) 552-8020, www.spectrumhuman.orgSt. Francis Family Center/Catholic Social Services of Oakland, Southfield, (248) 552-0750, www.cssoc.orgWayne County DHS, Detroit, (313) 396-KIDSWolverine Human Services, Taylor, (888) 625-8669, www.wolverinehs.org

SOUTHERN CENTRAL MICHIGANAdoption Specialists, Inc., Lapeer, (810) 660-7590, www.adoption-specialists.orgAlternatives for Children & Families, Burton, (810) 250-3800, www.acfinc.orgBethany Christian Services, East Lansing, (517) 396-3391, www.bethany.org/eastlansingCatholic Charities of Lenawee County, Adrian, (517) 263-2191, www.catholiccharitieslenawee.orgCatholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee, Flint, (810) 232-9950, www.catholiccharities.orgCatholic Social Service of Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, (734) 971-9781Child and Family Services – Capital Area, Lansing, (517) 882-4000, www.childandfamily.orgClinton/Gratiot DHS, St. Johns, (989) 224-5500Ennis Center for Children, Flint, (810) 233-4031, www.enniscenter.orgFamily Counseling and Children Services of Lenawee, Adrian, (517) 265-5352, www.fccservices.orgFamily Service & Children’s Aid, Jackson, (517) 787-7920, www.strong-families.orgFostering Futures, Ypsilanti, (734) 646-3792, www.fostering-futures.comGenesee County DHS, Flint, (810) 760-2200Hands Across the Water, Ann Arbor, (734) 477-0135, www.hatw.orgIngham County DHS, Lansing, (517) 887-9671Lutheran Adoption Service, Ann Arbor, (734) 971-1944, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Jackson, (517) 789-6444, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Lansing, (517) 886-1380, www.lasadoption.orgMichigan Indian Child Welfare Agency, Lansing, (517) 393-3256, www.micwa.orgSt. Clair/Lapeer/Sanilac DHS, Port Huron, (810) 966-2000St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Lansing, (517) 323-4734, www.stvcc.orgWashtenaw/Livingston County DHS, Ypsilanti, (734) 481-2000

SOUTHWEST MICHIGANAllegan County DHS, Allegan, (269) 673-7700Barry/Eaton County DHS, Hastings, (269) 948-3200Berrien County DHS, Benton Harbor, (269) 934-2000Bethany Christian Services, Grand Rapids, (616) 224-7550, www.bethany.org/grandrapidsBethany Christian Services, Holland, (616) 396-0623, www.bethany.org/hollandBethany Christian Services, Kalamazoo, (269) 372-8800, www.bethany.org/kalamazooBethany Christian Services, Muskegon, (231) 733-1618, www.bethany.org/muskegonBranch/Hillsdale/Lenawee/Monroe DHS, Coldwater, (517) 279-4200Calhoun County DHS, Battle Creek, (269) 966-1341Catholic Charities West MI, Grand Rapids, (616) 456-1443, www.ccwestmi.orgCatholic Charities West MI, Muskegon, (231) 726-4735, www.ccwestmi.orgD.A. Blodgett Services, Grand Rapids, (616) 451-2021, www.dablodgett.orgFamily Adoption Consultants, Kalamazoo, (269) 343-3316, www.facadopt.orgFamily & Children’s Services, Inc., Kalamazoo, (269) 344-0202, www.fcsource.orgFamily & Children’s Services, Inc., Battle Creek, (269) 965-3247, www.fcsource.orgKalamazoo County DHS, Kalamazoo, (269) 337-5139Kent County DHS, Grand Rapids, (616) 248-1000Lutheran Adoption Service, Grand Rapids, (616) 281-4706, www.lasadoption.orgLutheran Adoption Service, Kalamazoo, (269) 345-5776, www.lasadoption.orgMichigan Indian Child Welfare Agency, Grand Rapids, (800) 880-2089, www.micwa.orgMuskegon County DHS, Muskegon, (231) 733-3700Ottawa County DHS, Holland, (616) 394-7200Pathways, Holland, (616) 396-2301, www.pathwaysmi.orgSt. Joseph/Cass County DHS, Centreville, (269) 467-1200Van Buren County DHS, Hartford, (269) 621-2800Youth Guidance Foster Care & Adoption Center, Battle Creek, (269) 969-9438, www.citylinc.org

Michigan Adoption Resource ExchangeP.O. Box 980789

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

800.589.6273

www.mare.org

The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange is a program of Judson Center and is funded by the Michigan Department of Human Services.