[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011

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                       HON. JESSE L. JACKSON, JR.

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Adoption Day, November 19, 2011, and in support of more than 
400,000 children living in foster care.
  National Adoption Day began in November of 2000 as an attempt to 
raise awareness for children in foster care waiting to find permanent, 
loving families. In particular, National Adoption Day aims to 
facilitate and finalize adoptions in all 50 states, celebrate and honor 
those families who adopt, and encourage others to consider adopting. 
Through the efforts of policymakers, practitioners and advocates, over 
35,000 children have found homes on this day. This year alone, 
organizers hope to finalize adoption for 4,500 foster care children.
  Mr. Speaker, it is imperative that Congress acts to support the 
tireless efforts of organizations and individuals helping to find 
loving homes for the thousands of children living in foster care across 
the country. In my home state of Illinois, more than 15,000 children 
eagerly await the day they are adopted into a permanent, stable, and 
caring family. Let us give hope today to those children in search of 
the homes they desperately need and deserve by raising awareness for 
this critical issue.
  I urge my colleagues and fellow Americans to support efforts that 
will unite children living in foster homes with permanent families, and 
to join me in recognizing National Adoption Day on November 19.

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