On August 1, 2002, several revisions to FIA Adoption Policy went into effect with respect to determining Adoption Support Subsidy eligibility. Among the changes was the elimination of using MARE registration (e.g. "photolisting") as one of the criteria for determining Adoption Support Subsidy eligibility.

This was of particular interest to us here at MARE as we are continually striving to ensure that the photolisting book (and web site) are viable and credible resources for adoption workers and potential adoptive families. In order to do that, it is critical that that the photolisting book (and web site) feature children who truly do not have an identified family available to adopt. Over time it became clear that using MARE registration as a criteria for determining Adoption Support Subsidy eligibility was counterproductive since it left open the possibility of agencies registering children not only for recruitment purposes, but also to qualify a child for Support Subsidy.

We will continue to encourage adoption workers to be vigilant in registering children for photolisting only if recruitment of an adoptive family is truly necessary. There are a number of ways available to workers to account for the children in their care if a potential adoptive family is identified - without registering a child for photolisting. These include the Relative, Foster Parent, or Recruited Family “Hold” registrations which are available specifically for this purpose.

No recruitment tool will ever be perfect; however, the state of Michigan has made a significant investment in the photolisting book and web site as a means of recruiting potential adoptive families. Let us all strive to make these recruitment efforts as effective as possible, not only for the integrity of the MARE book, but more importantly, to find families for Michigan’s waiting children.

For more information regarding eligibility for Adoption Support Subsidy, please consult the FIA Adoption Services Policy Manual (Section CFA-750,) or find the FIA Adoption Services Policy Manual on line at:
www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/html/

---

Billboard Promotes Adoption

Billboards promoting adoption will be prominently displayed on major highways throughout the state of Michigan during the months of November through January 2003. Funded by the Michigan Family Independence Agency and with the cooperation of MARE and the Michigan Federation for Children and Families, the distinctive design of the billboard features an attractive photograph with the simple and memorable message to “Consider Adoption.” The MARE office has already fielded responses by phone and through our web site thanks to this campaign. MARE would like to extend sincere thanks to the FIA Office of Communications for their help in promoting adoption!

---

MARE Contract Administrator Retires

Over the past several months many long serving and dedicated child welfare professionals have retired from state employment. While all of these professionals undoubtedly made unique and invaluable contributions to children in Michigan, we want to especially acknowledge Henry Hofstra of the FIA Central Office Adoption Services Division who retired October 31st after 38 years of service with FIA.

Henry began his career in 1964 at Kent County FIA (then called the Department of Social Welfare) where he worked as a direct relief intake worker, children’s protective services worker, and supervisor of an assistance payment staff. Upon receiving his MSW degree from the University of Michigan in 1970, he accepted a position in the Central Office as a Child Protective Services Program Specialist. After 18 years with the CPS Program, Henry joined the Adoption Services Division in 1987 as an Adoption Specialist and policy writer. In 1988 he became the first (and only) contract administrator of the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange. Henry was instrumental in the initial design of the MARE program and continued to offer significant direction to the program until his retirement.

All of us here at MARE appreciated Henry’s consistent professionalism and his unwavering commitment to “do it right” for the betterment of Michigan’s children. His wealth of knowledge and ability to see the “big picture” was invaluable when considering program and policy changes. And perhaps what we appreciated most was Henry’s faith in MARE and the autonomy the MARE staff have enjoyed to guide and direct the MARE program in ways (we hope) that improve the lives of Michigan’s waiting children.

Thank you Henry for a job well done. We wish you every happiness - and lots of good fishing - in your retirement!

---

LPGA Pro-Am Golf Tournament Will Benefit Michigan Adoption Agencies

The Wendy’s Charity Golf Classic is coming to Jackson, Michigan on August 17 - 18, 2003 to raise money for adoption agencies throughout the state. Now in it’s third year, the event has previously raised over $200,000 in support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption as well as it’s local benefactor, Family Service & Children’s Aid of Jackson. Now for the first time in tournament history, adoption agencies from across Michigan will be eligible to benefit from the funds raised, based on their level of participation.

Inspired by Jackson-area Wendy’s franchisee Stanton and Associates, Inc., in cooperation with LPGA Tour veteran (and Jackson resident) Elaine Crosby, the Wendy’s Charity Golf Classic in the past has featured many LPGA professionals such as Jane Geddes, Nancy Scranton, Dawn Coe-Jones, Cindy Figg-Currier, and more. Other celebrity golfers have included University of Michigan luminaries Lloyd Carr and Bo Shembechler, and Detroit Red Wings star Darren McCarty.

Information on how agencies can become involved will be included in future editions of Recruitment News. Interested agencies can also check the Stanton & Associates web site at: www.stantonassociates.net
or contact Tournament Director Sue Fracker at (517) 784-4094 or by email at: sue@stantonassociates.net