Adoptive mother hugging

About Adoption

Creating Permanent, Loving Families for Every Child

At Spaulding for Children, we believe there is no such thing as an unadoptable child—only children and youth waiting for the right family. As a private, nonprofit adoption agency, we are deeply committed to helping children and youth in the child welfare system find permanent, loving homes. Every child deserves a family that sees their strengths, honors their story, and is committed for life.

Partnering with Families, Supporting Every Step

We believe that families are partners and resources, not customers. There are no fees for our adoption services. We provide comprehensive support to families throughout the adoption journey, including matching and placement, case management, home‑based visitation, education and training, support groups, information and referrals, and opportunities to connect through agency‑sponsored activities.

Family meeting with a casework professional while sitting together at home

Guide to Adoption

Learn more about the adoption journey and what to expect at each step.

“Family meeting with a caseworker in a living room during an adoption support visit

Contact us and we will mail to you a Spaulding for Children Welcome Packet containing:

  • Spaulding’s history
  • Foster care & adoption informational pamphlets
  • Information regarding the types of services Spaulding provides
  • 10 Good Reasons Why You Should Become a Spaulding for Children Parent
  • The Steps to Become a Foster/Adoptive Resource Family
  • Orientation Registration Form

Contact:
Stacey Oakes
Phone: 248 443 0300 ext. 235
Email: soakes@spaulding.org

Free online orientation sessions are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and the third Thursday of each month from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

Register and complete Orientation.

NOTE: All adults living in the home, i.e. husband & wife, partners, roommates etc., must attend Orientation & all trainings

GROW (Grow, Recognize, Obtain, Work) training is a mandatory 20–25 hour pre-licensure program for prospective adoptive parents in Michigan. It covers trauma-informed parenting, child development, attachment, and licensing requirements, with many sessions offered virtually via Zoom.

  • Grow culturally responsive relationships.
  • Recognize children’s developmental needs and the impact of trauma.
  • Obtain information and resources.
  • Work in partnership with families to support healthy relationships.

Enroll in G.R.O.W. Training at at NO COST.

Your adoption worker will schedule a home visit with you to begin the Home Assessment Process.

You will be provided a Checklist for Adoption Home Licensing form. This form lists the documentation you must provide to your adoption specialist.

Once all of the requested documentation has been provided to your specialist and your Home Assessment is complete, your entire file is presented to the Adoption Supervisor for approval.

There are many children placed in the child welfare system that are available for adoption, older children, children of color, brothers and sisters that need placement as a group, and children with disabilities.

Maintain on-going contact with Spaulding’s Adoption Specialist.

View the following websites profiling waiting children:

Visit Heart Gallery exhibits – traveling portrait exhibits of waiting children.

Venture into your community – attend recruitment events at churches, malls, parks, libraries, etc.

If you identify a child(ren) that appears to be a match for your family, contact your Adoption Specialist to obtain additional information. If the Agency identifies a potential match for your family, you will be contacted by your Adoption Specialist to schedule a case conference so that you can learn more about the child(ren).

If you choose to proceed with the matched child(ren), a visitation period begins between you and your matched child(ren).

If visitation goes well, at an agreed upon time, Spaulding for Children will petition the court to legally place the child in your home.

During the first 6 months of placement, your case will be under the supervision of the court and your adoption worker will visit at least monthly to provide support and assist with any issues.

After 6 months of successful placement, the court can issue a final order of adoption, finalizing the adoption and making the child legally yours.

Spaulding staff is always available to provide permanency support to families we have served.

Additional Assistance Resources:

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adoption/post-adoption-resources/post-adoption-resource-centers 

 

 

Ready to Move Forward?

Contact us

For Assistance during the process:

Stacey Oakes
Program Manager
Office: 248-443-0300 ext. 235
Fax: 248-443-2845
Email: soakes@spaulding.org

Multiracial family walking down the street with a little girl in the middle holding her parent's hands.

Attend Orientation

Join us for a free online orientation, held on the second Wednesday and third Thursday of every month.