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State hopes to speed up delayed adoptions and identify new adoptive homes

Chinnapong
/
adobestock

The state of Michigan hopes to speed up in-progress adoptions.

Bob Wheaton is a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

He says 21 child welfare staff members will examine cases where the adoption process has taken longer than 6 months.

"Often times it can be something like the child has some behavior issues that are causing concerns," says Wheaton. "Or it could be something as simple as all the documents not being completed by the adoptive family."

Wheaton says the workers will try to remove whatever barrier is causing the delay.

The state also plans to partner with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption next year.

Wheaton says the foundation has a proven track record finding homes for older kids and those with special needs.

He says the state has about 300 children currently waiting for an adoptive home.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
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