Adopting two or more related children is the definition of adopting a sibling group. It is possible to adopt sibling groups privately by an arrangement with the birth family or internationally. However, the following information refers only to adopting children who are state and court wards. These children have become available for adoption because the rights of their parents have been terminated. The juvenile division of the probate court has terminated the rights of the parents and committed the children to the state (state wards) or placed the children under the care and supervision of the state (court wards).

In Michigan, the Family Independence Agency (FIA) is responsible for the adoptive placement of state wards and court wards. However, there are agencies under contract with the state that may also place children. Current statistics indicate that between 3500 and 4000 children were made state wards in both 2007 and 2006 in Michigan.

The current statement of need in Michigan is for homes to parent minority children, older children, children with physical, emotional, or mental impairments, and sibling groups of two or more children.

Nearly 70 percent of the adoptions of state and court wards completed each year by the FIA are with relatives or foster parents. This is because the children already have a significant relationship with these people so they are given preference. The FIA tries to recruit families through newspaper articles, television, local child placing agencies, and the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) for children who do not have an identified adoptive family.

Michigan does offer monetary subsidies to assist with the adoptions of state and court wards who meet certain criteria. For a sibling group to qualify for a monthly support subsidy in Michigan at least one of the children must be over the age of three or meet additional criteria. Michigan also offers medical subsidies for qualified children. These pay providers for certain medical, dental, or mental health services not covered by the adoptive parent’s insurance or Medicaid. Michigan also reimburses adoptive parents up to $2000 for nonrecurring adoption expenses.

To view sibling groups currently available in Michigan for adoption go to the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) website.

Photo Credit Julia Fuller 2007