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CASSOPOLIS — The Cass County Probate  Courtroom was packed with well wishers Tuesday, Nov. 21, who joined two families in celebrating the finalization of two  adoptions on adoption day.

Cass County Courts Chief Judge Carol Montavon Bealor presided over the  finalization of the adoptions and briefly shared the story of the impact of her own adoption on her life  before introducing the keynote speaker for the event, Cass County Treasurer, Hope Anderson.  

Anderson shared with those present how she was blessed with her first two grandchildren through  adoption. Her daughter and son-in-law became foster parents when they were only twenty years old and  then ultimately adopted two of their nine foster children. Anderson described with joy how her daughter  and son-in-law were fierce advocates for the children in their care and how their whole family became  dedicated to being fully present for them.

Two years after moving in with her daughter and son-in-law,  Anderson’s first two grandchildren were adopted, making the home they had formed with their forever  family a permanent one. Anderson, who will begin serving as the President of the Board of Directors  for Cass County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in 2024, encouraged those present to  consider fostering, adopting, or supporting those who do in some way as “adoption is a testimony to the  boundless capacity of the human heart.” 

Adoption day was established by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Department of Health and Human  Services in 2003. Cass County Courts have celebrated Adoption Day every year since 2003. The Cass  County Courts have finalized over 800 adoptions since 2002. 

Currently, there are approximately 10,000 children in Michigan who live apart from their parents in  foster care. Each year it is estimated that approximately 2,100 children in the Michigan foster care  system have the goal of adoption and are legally ready to be adopted. Those interested in learning about  becoming a foster parent can call 855-MICHKIDS to learn more.