An online information packet is now available – download yours today! Included is:

• MARE Program Brochure
• Where Do I Begin? Answers to Your Questions About Adoption and Foster Care
• Satisfaction Survey of MARE Services
• Other Ways You Can Help

Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange 2009 Post-Adoption Directory of Service Providers

This directory is intended to combine the many post-adoption service providers throughout the state of Michigan into one comprehensive resource book. The providers listed here responded to a survey designed to capture very generalized information about the types of post-adoption services available throughout the state. The 2008- 2009 directory also includes the addition of many adoption support groups. We hope that these additional resources will be a benefi t to those using this book.

Michigan Department of Human Services Adoption Program Statement (DHS Pub. 255)

Many Michigan children are in need of families; therefore, many kinds of families are needed for these children. The focus of our adoption program is to link children who need a home with families wanting to adopt them. The Department of Human Services (DHS) delivers adoption services directly through its own staff and through purchase of service with licensed private child care agencies in the state of Michigan. If you have been thinking about adopting, here is some information about the DHS adoption program.

Michigan Department of Human Services Michigan Adoption Subsidy Program (DHS Pub. 538)

Michigan has three Adoption Subsidy Programs to assist families who adopt eligible special needs children up to age 18. These programs provide financial assistance, including Nonrecurring Adoption Expenses; Adoption Support Subsidy; Adoption Medical Subsidy.

Based on each individual child’s circumstances, one or more of these subsidy benefits may be available to support his/her adoption. The adoptive family’s income does not affect subsidy program eligibility.

Michigan Department of Human Services Guide for Caregiving Families (DHS Pub. 165)

This guide will provide basic information to you as you care for a child who is involved in the child welfare system. Whether you are a relative caregiver or a licensed foster parent, providing temporary foster care for a child will be challenging. Gaining a basic understanding of Michigan's child protective system will help you to more effectively advocate for and meet the needs of the children in your home.

Michigan Department of Human Services Guide to Becoming a Foster Parent (DHS Pub. 650)

This guide discusses the qualifications to be a foster parent, the primary purpose of being a foster parent, the knowledge and skills required, the significant duties of being a foster parent, as well as the benefits. A simple "fact sheet" outlines requirements for licensing, including age, martial status, employement, housing, health, references, training, and the homestudy process.

Michigan Department of Human Services Guide to Adopting a Child in Michigan (DHS Pub. 823)

This guide provides an overview of the adoption process in Michigan, including definitions, common aspects of adoption, different types of adoption (infant, international, and special needs or foster care adoption), temporary placement prior to adoption, assistance in adoption, the role of the family in court, and the Office of Children's Ombudsman.

Michigan Department of Human Services Guide to Relative Caregiver Resources and Responsibilities (DHS Pub. 457)

This guide answers some commonly-asked questions from relative caregivers, including, Am I a foster parent? What are my caregiver responsibilities? What support is available? and Is financial assistance available?

Michigan Department of Human Services Release of Information from Michigan's Adoption Records (DHS Pub. 439)

Michigan’s adoption law requires adoption agencies, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and courts to release certain information from adoption records to adult adoptees, former family members and adoptive parents of a minor child. The law divides the information in adoption records into two categories: nonidentifying and identifying information.