[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8896--NOV. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8896 of November 1, 2012

National Adoption Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As a Nation that believes all children deserve the chance to reach their
full potential, we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure each of
them grows up knowing the love and protection of a permanent family.
During National Adoption Month, we give voice to children who are still
waiting for that opportunity, celebrate the bond that unites adoptive
parents with their sons and daughters, and recommit to providing every
child with the care and security that will nurture their development and
well-being.
Later this month, many Americans will also mark National Adoption Day by
completing a foster care adoption and embracing a new member of their
family. Driven by reasons unique to their households but united by the
spirit of compassion that moves all who choose to adopt, these parents
will take up our country's most important task--the work of raising our
sons and daughters. As we celebrate the contributions of adoptive
parents across our Nation, let us also strive to eliminate
discriminatory barriers that would separate foster children from a
loving family. Adoptive families come in many forms, and it is essential
that all qualified adults have the opportunity to care for a child in
need.
My Administration remains committed to helping every child find a loving
home. We have partnered with faith-based and community organizations
across America to help connect children with adoptive parents, and we
continue to work with State, local, and tribal governments to improve
child outcomes; enhance safety, permanency, and well-being; and support
adoptive families. I was proud to sign the Affordable Care Act and the
International Adoption Simplification Act, which have made it easier for
families to adopt, as well as the Child and Family Services Improvement
and Innovation Act, which will help reduce the length of time young
children are without families. We have built on those efforts as part of
the National Adoption Campaign, which continues to bring adoption and
foster care into our national conversation.
Thousands of children living in America hope for the comfort and safety
of a loving family. This month, we pay tribute to the dedicated
professionals who help make those children's dreams a reality, sharpen


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our resolve to find a permanent home for every child, and celebrate the
stories of all whose lives have been touched by adoption.
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 2012 as
National Adoption Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month
by answering the call to find a permanent and caring family for every
child in need, and by supporting 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 twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA