    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9201--OCT. 31, 2014

    Proclamation 9201 of October 31, 2014

    National Adoption Month, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    Every year, adoptive parents welcome tens of thousands of children and
    teenagers into supportive and loving families. These mothers and fathers
    provide their sons and daughters with the security and stability of a
    safe environment and the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their
    full potential. During National Adoption Month, we honor those

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    who have opened their hearts and their homes, and we recommit to
    supporting all children still in need of a place to call their own.
    Over the past decade, more than 500,000 children have been adopted.
    However, there are still too many children waiting to be part of an
    adoptive family. This month--on the Saturday before Thanksgiving--we
    will observe the 15th annual National Adoption Day, a nationwide
    celebration that brings together policymakers, practitioners, and
    advocates to finalize thousands of adoptions and to raise awareness of
    those still in need of permanent homes.
    To help ensure there is a permanent home for every child, my
    Administration is investing in programs to reduce the amount of time
    children in foster care wait for adoption and to educate adoptive
    families about the diverse needs of their children, helping ensure
    stability and permanency. We are equipping State and local adoption
    organizations with tools to provide quality mental health services to
    children who need them, and--because we know the importance of sibling
    relationships--we are encouraging efforts to keep brothers and sisters
    together. Additionally, last year I was proud to permanently extend the
    Adoption Tax Credit to provide relief to adoptive families. By
    supporting policies that remove barriers to adoption, we give hope to
    children across America. For all those who yearn for the comfort of
    family, we must continue our work to increase the opportunities for
    adoption and make sure all capable and loving caregivers have the
    ability to bring a child into their life, regardless of their race,
    religion, sexual orientation, or marital status.
    Throughout November, we recognize the thousands of parents and kids who
    have expanded their families to welcome a new child or sibling, as well
    as the professionals who offer guidance, resources, and counseling every
    day. Let us reaffirm our commitment to provide all children with every
    chance to reach their dreams and realize their highest aspirations.
    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 2014 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 thirty-first day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA