LANSING - More than 270 children across Michigan have something extra to be thankful for this holiday season: They received the final OK to be legally adopted.

In the United States, an estimated 523,000 children are in foster care, with 119,000 waiting to be adopted, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Michigan, 9,699 children were in foster care at the end of 2004.

For Michigan Adoption Day, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the Department of Human Service (DHS) and the Michigan Supreme Court sponsored courthouse activities to celebrate the final step in what is often a long and frustrating process.

"I know the people who come to court don't usually view it as a happy occasion," said Justice Maura Corrigan, who began Michigan Adoption Day while serving as chief justice in 2003. "Adoptions are that rare joyful event that takes place in court. We all feel happy, not only for the families, but for society as a whole."

Ottawa County celebrated with eight families who finalized adoptions in Circuit Court, with two judges presiding.

"They ranged in age from infants to a 17-year-old," said Betty Claar, Ottawa County Family Court programs supervisor. "What we try to highlight is while we appreciate parents who adopt infants, we really appreciate the sibling groups and older kids who find homes. They're just a little more special."

Some families who qualify can receive government subsidies to offset costs of caring for a child with special needs, whether medical or psychological.

Diane Prisby, adoption specialist for the Ottawa County DHS branch of DHS, the ceremonies were for families whose paperwork was completed.

"We didn't search for any specific sort of case," Prisby said. "We just asked those who were ready if they were willing to be part of this public ceremony."

Finding a permanent home for a child can take an average of nine months, she said.

"The adoptions I do are for permanent wards," Prisby said. "These are kids who are in foster care, and their goal is adoption. The timeline varies if the foster family plans to adopt, or if another family does."

Maureen Sorbet, a DHS media representative, said the processing time includes an intense study of the potential permanent parents.

"It takes a home study, background check and a health care review for starters," said Sorbet. "The adoption process isn't something that happens quickly."

DHS generally handles adoption cases that involve neglect or abuse. When parental rights are terminated, the child becomes eligible for adoption. Often, the foster parents adopt the children.

"Many people should consider adoption," said Sorbet. "There are many wonderful children looking for permanent homes. We would encourage any interested person to contact us."

The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange Web site, www.mare.org, has information about the process, and about children awaiting adoption.