[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9530 of October 27, 2016

National Adoption Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Across America, adoptive parents welcome children into stable, loving
families, providing a safe and comforting place for children in need to
call home. Families who choose the life-changing path of adoption make a
meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of some of the most
vulnerable young people in our society. Regardless of sexual
orientation, gender identity, race, or religion, devoted Americans who
adopt help give more children the upbringing they deserve. Each
November, we recognize the important role that adoption has played in
the lives of children and families in our country and around the world,
and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring every child can find their
forever family.
Last year, more than 100,000 children were waiting to be adopted from
foster care, and every year, too many older youth age out of the foster
care system before they are able to find permanence. Without this sup

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port during the critical years of early adulthood, these youth are more
likely than their peers to experience homelessness, unemployment, or
incarceration. To make the possibility of adoption real for more
children across our country, my Administration has eliminated barriers
to adoption by extending tax credits and providing financial incentives
to child welfare agencies in almost every State to maximize adoptions. I
have also worked to strengthen Federal workplace flexibility policies to
ensure more families, including adoptive families, can keep their jobs
and care for their children as their family grows.
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, we also recognize National Adoption
Day, kicking off a week of reflection and gratitude for many adoptive
families. Each year on this day, thousands of adoptions are finalized,
including more than 4,000 children in 2015. This year, cities from coast
to coast will host a variety of events to commemorate the occasion.
One of the most important jobs many of us will ever have is being a
parent. Throughout National Adoption Month, we celebrate all those who
have invited a child in need into their hearts and into their homes, and
we express our profound appreciation for all who help make adoptions
possible. Let us continue strengthening the adoption process so that all
children can learn, grow, and thrive with the support of a devoted and
permanent family.
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 2016 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 twenty-seventh day
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA