
Growing up, Naomi never knew when her next meal would be or if the roof they were living under would last long. In 2008, the summer before Naomi entered sixth grade, she joined DABSJ's mentoring program as a mentee.
Read the storyEach adoption journey is unique, but they are all filled with love. If you are looking to add to your family through adoption, we are here to support you.
The Foster Care Adoption Program identifies loving and permanent families for children in Michigan’s foster care system. These children are legally free for adoption and are many times older children.
After a period of time in foster care with the goal of reunification with their parents, the children’s parents’ rights have been terminated and they are now available for adoption. Our primary need is for families who are able to care for older children (8 and up), large sibling groups (3 or more where at least one child is over 8), or medically fragile children. Some of these children may display moderate to severe mental health and behavioral needs.
The adoption specialist is involved in the thoughtful and deliberate process of selecting families for children and assisting the family and child with the transition to the adoptive home. Once the child is in the adoptive home, the adoption specialist provides support and referral services.
Part of the adoption specialist's role is to prepare the children and families for adoption. To achieve this, the adoption worker thoroughly assesses each child’s history and needs to determine the best type of family to meet his/her needs. The family will complete an application packet and be assigned to an adoption specialist who will complete a family assessment/home study.
*This is not a complete list of steps to becoming a foster parent. It typically takes about 6 months to be fully licensed. Email us at gro.jsbad@ofnitnerapretsof with additional questions.
The State of Michigan does not require that all Adoptive Families become licensed foster parents; however, it is necessary for many children.
D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s provides all the training and assessment services in order to become licensed at no charge.
Pressley Ridge is the main training you will complete. The Pressley Ridge training sessions help to rebuild communities and families who are facing difficult challenges and complex situations. The ultimate goal is to prevent or reduce a child’s trauma by ensuring they are safe and well cared for by a well-trained foster parent.
No. You may rent. Your home must be clean, safe and must always have a phone. Children of the opposite sex five years of age and older may not share a bedroom.
We accept individuals and families regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or family structure. We have licensed families that are first-time parents and experienced parents, working parents, and stay-at-home parents. All families are welcome at DABSJ.
Children adopted from the foster care system often qualify for Adoption Assistance/Subsidy. Adoption Assistance/Subsidy provides financial support to the family after adoption (and generally until age 18) that is based on the child’s special needs and on the additional efforts of the parents to meet those special needs.
Ongoing Medicaid is part of Adoption Assistance/Subsidy. D. A. Blodgett – St. John’s Adoption Specialists complete the Adoption Assistance/Subsidy application process on behalf of adoptive families.
If you are interested in speaking with a staff member about adopting a child from the foster care system, please fill out the inquiry form below. We look forward to connecting with you and getting your questions answered.
Our Adoptive Family Support Network Program helps adoptive parents who are looking for guidance, reassurance, support, education, and resources.
One of our greatest needs is having enough foster and adoptive parents to provide homes for the children that need our help.
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Growing up, Naomi never knew when her next meal would be or if the roof they were living under would last long. In 2008, the summer before Naomi entered sixth grade, she joined DABSJ's mentoring program as a mentee.
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