Watch Dec. 26 Detroit Public TV show on the need for adoptive and foster parents

All children deserve a safe, stable and loving home.

That’s a message I truly stand behind as the holidays are now upon us. ‘Tis the season to open our hearts to others, but I also want to encourage you to open your home to a child in need.

It’s a message I will be sharing on an upcoming Detroit Public TV program that’s focusing on foster care and adoption. The Michigan Department of Human Services’ special report, “Telling Our Story,” will air at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, and at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, on Channel 56.

It’s a touching story told by those who have lived it: an adoptive parent, a foster child, and a woman who aged out of the system. Through their personal stories, you will learn about the need for foster homes and about resources available to accommodate both you and your children’s needs.

Those resources include access to prevention programs and mental health resources, such as in-home services and supports to children with serious emotional needs who are in the foster care system.

Last year, Michigan families adopted 3,030 children from foster care. That’s the highest number ever. But, today in Michigan, there are still more than 15,000 children in foster care. Of those children, about 3,500 are available for adoption.

That’s why DHS continues to work with a national campaign to build awareness of the need for foster and adoptive parents, and about the process of opening your home to a child.

The theme of the campaign is “You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.”

And you really don’t. Children in foster care don’t care if you’re cool. They care if you’re there.

The campaign is designed to appeal to families willing to provide safe, loving and stable homes for children in need.

Some say we’re asking people to take on a big burden. But, I say it’s an opportunity to give a child a “forever family” — something they all want and deserve.

Yes, we’re asking people to take on a huge responsibility, but as a father of five, I can tell you that you get a thousand times in love what you invest.

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.michigan.gov/perfectparent.

Additional resources include: www.adoptuskids.org or call toll-free 888-200-4005. For Spanish, visit www.adoptel.org or call toll-free 877-236-7831. Please visit Detroit Public TV online at http://www.dptv.org/.

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