Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange
Regina Funkhouser, Michigan Heart Gallery Coordinator
(800) 589-6273

Feb. 25, 2008

What:	The 2008 Michigan Heart Gallery, a touring photographic exhibit featuring stirring portraits of 60 Michigan foster children who are waiting to be adopted, is on display at the Wyoming branch of the Kent District Library now through March 12. At the same time, mini-versions of the main Heart Gallery exhibit will also be on display at the Krause Memorial and Sand Lake/Nelson Township branches. The photographs in the Heart Gallery were taken by more than 40 professional photographers who donated their time, talent and resources to take the pictures that help capture the spirit of the children in the foster care system. The Michigan Heart Gallery is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange, the Adoptive Family Support Network and the Michigan Department of Human Services. Today, in Michigan, there are more than 4,000 children without families. Recruitment activities such as the Heart Gallery remind people that there are many children in Michigan who are waiting to be adopted into a loving and caring home.
When:	Now through March 12, 2008
Where:	Main exhibit: Wyoming branch, 3350 Michael Avenue, SW, Wyoming, Mich. Mini exhibit: Krause Memorial branch, 140 E. Bridge Street, Rockford, Mich. and Sand Lake/Nelson Township branch, 88 Eighth Street, Sand Lake, Mich.

Ten Things you should know:

1. At any given time there are about 4,000 children in Michigan's foster care system who are available and waiting to be adopted.
2. Last year in Michigan almost 2,600 children were adopted through Michigan's foster care system.
3. Most families who adopt are also licensed foster parents or relatives. In fact, last year in Michigan, 93 percent of children adopted from the foster care system were adopted by a foster parent or relative.
4. All adoptive families must go through a family assessment process that includes an education component, background checks, and an exploration of the family's interest in adopting.
5. Because the needs of each child are different, many different types of families are needed. You don't have to married to adopt, and you don't need to be wealthy or own your own home.
6. Many of the children waiting for adoption are school-age or older, may need to be adopted along with siblings, or may have special placement needs.
7. About 500 Michigan children between the ages of 18 and 21 transition or "age out" of the foster care system annually. Studies of youths who have left foster care without being adopted have shown they are more likely than those in the general population to not finish high school, be unemployed, and be dependent on public assistance. Many find themselves in prison, homeless, or becoming parents at an early age.
8. The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange is an information and referral program that can help answer some of your questions about adoption. Contact us at (800) 589-6273 or visit our Web site at www.mare.org.
9. The Heart Gallery is a project of the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. It is our hope the Michigan Heart Gallery will inspire prospective parents to adopt an older child so these children can become part of a loving family and have a chance for a brighter, happier future.
10. Consider fostering, adopting or mentoring a waiting child!