Michigan Adoption Information and Resources

Important Information for Families:

The Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 as amended by the Interethnic Adoption Provisions of 1996 (MEPA/IEPA) prohibits discrimination in foster care and adoptive placements on the grounds of race, color, or national origin. Any foster care or adoptive applicant, or any approved foster care/adoptive parent(s) who has reason to believe that he/she has been denied or delayed the placement of a child because of race, color or national origin may file a complaint. A written complaint must be filed with ten (10) working days of the occurrence of the alleged act of discrimination. This requirement may be waived if extenuating circumstances exist which justify an extension. To obtain a copy of the Complaint Process, call the Adoption Services division of the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) at (517) 373-3513.

The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, P.L. 105-89, Section 202, requires that states do not deny or delay a child's adoptive placement with an approved family based on geographic location of the family. An approved prospective adoptive parent who believes that a placement has been denied or delayed may request a hearing through the local county Department of Human Services office that has responsibility for the child.

If you need help identifying your local DHS office, please call the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange at (800) 589-6273.

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