    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8597--NOV. 1, 2010

    Proclamation 8597 of November 1, 2010
    National Adoption Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Giving a child a strong foundation--a home, a family to love, and a safe
    place to grow--is one of life's greatest and most generous gifts.
    Through adoption, both domestic and international, Americans from across
    our country have provided secure environments for children who need
    them, and these families have benefited from the joy an adopted child
    can bring. Thanks to their nurturing and care, more young people have
    been able to realize their potential and lead full, happy lives. This
    year, we celebrate National Adoption Month to recognize adoption as a
    positive and powerful force in countless American lives, and to
    encourage the adoption of children from foster care.
    Currently, thousands of children await adoption or are in foster care,
    looking forward to permanent homes. These children can thrive, reach
    their full potential, and spread their wings when given the loving and
    firm foundation of family. Adoptive families come in many forms, and
    choose to adopt for different reasons: a desire to grow their family
    when conceiving a child is not possible, an expression of compassion for
    a child who would otherwise not have a permanent family, or simply
    because adoption has personally touched their lives. For many Americans,
    adoption has brought boundless purpose and joy to their lives. We must
    do all we can to break down barriers to ensure that all qualified
    caregivers have the ability to serve as adoptive families.
    This year, on November 20, families, adoption advocates, policymakers,
    judges, and volunteers will celebrate the 11th annual National Adoption
    Day in communities large and small. National Adoption Day is a day of
    hope and happiness when courthouses finalize the adoptions of children
    out of foster care. Last year, Health and Human Services Secretary
    Kathleen Sebelius was honored to preside over a ceremony celebrating two
    foster care adoptions as part of my Administration's support for this
    important day.

    Adoptive families are shining examples of the care and concern that
    define our great Nation. To support adoption in our communities, my
    Administration is working with States to support families eager to
    provide for children in need of a place to call home. The landmark
    Affordable Care Act increases and improves the Adoption Tax Credit,
    enabling adoption to be more affordable and accessible. As part of the
    Adoption Incentives program, States can also receive awards for
    increasing adoptions and the number of children adopted from foster
    care. AdoptUsKids, a project of the Department of Health and Human
    Services, offers technical support to States, territories, and tribes to
    recruit and retain foster and adoptive families; provides information
    and assistance to families considering adoption; and supports parents
    already on that journey. I encourage all Americans to visit
    AdoptUsKids.org or ChildWelfare.gov/Adoption for information and
    resources on adoption, including adoption from foster care.

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    As we observe National Adoption Month, we honor the loving embrace of
    adoptive families and the affirming role of adoption in the lives of
    American families and our country. Let us all commit to supporting our
    children in any way that we are able--whether opening our hearts and
    homes through adoption, becoming foster parents to provide quality
    temporary care to children in crisis, supporting foster and adoptive
    families in our communities and places of worship, mentoring young
    people in need of guidance, or donating time to helping children in
    need. Working together, we can shape a future of hope and promise for
    all of our Nation's children.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as
    National Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month
    by answering the call to find homes for every child in America in need
    of a permanent and caring family, as well as to support the families who
    care for them.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
    November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA