[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