    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10109 of October 30, 2020
    National Adoption Month, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    For children, parents, and families, adoption paves the way for new
    beginnings and provides children with a forever family who can help them
    reach their full potential. During National Adoption Month, we recognize
    birth families who make the difficult decision to place their children
    up for adoption, commend foster parents who care for children from
    different backgrounds, and celebrate adoptive parents who open their
    families to those children in need.
    All children deserve a stable home with parents and families who can
    ensure their well-being. Sadly, last year, 153,258 children were placed
    in the foster care system due to neglect, and 86,694 children were
    removed from their homes due to drug abuse. My Administration is
    committed to addressing the causes of child abuse and neglect, bringing

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    healing to families who are struggling with addiction, and expanding the
    avenues for adoption. Additionally, we are continuing our efforts to
    strengthen families and prevent abuse and neglect to help ensure that
    children are able to remain with birth parents whenever possible. These
    efforts include unprecedented action to end the opioid crisis in our
    country, increased funding and oversight of the foster care system, and
    opening more adoption channels to faith-based adoption and foster care
    providers. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is
    now providing States with guidance regarding the use of Federal funds to
    support the legal representation of parents and children in family legal
    proceedings. The good news is that the number
    of children entering foster care is declining and the number of
    adoptions last year was the highest on record.
    Nevertheless, those still in the foster care system often have to wait
    too long for adoption--sometimes 2 years or more. Even worse, thousands
    of children age out of foster care without finding a forever family,
    with profound and unacceptable consequences. Of those young Americans
    who age out of foster care, 40 percent experience homelessness, 50
    percent are unemployed at age 24, and 25 percent experience post-
    traumatic stress. To help solve this problem, in June, I signed an
    Executive Order on Strengthening the Child Welfare System for America's
    Children. This order prioritizes the partnerships between private,
    public, and faith-based organizations to keep American families together
    and, when that is not possible, to find children forever families. It
    also provides resources for trauma training, support for guardianship,
    and kinship care for those who age out of foster care. Additionally,
    through her ``Be Best''; initiative, the First Lady continues to
    advocate for a safe, forever family for every child.
    Adoption also offers a loving option for women who experience unexpected
    pregnancies or are unable to provide for their children. Every year,
    countless families--including many who cannot have children of their
    own--cherish the priceless gift of an adopted child. My Administration
    believes that every human life has inherent value, and encourages
    adoption as an alternative to abortion. All children, born and unborn,
    deserve a chance to have a better, more prosperous future. I commend the
    selfless men and women who preserve the majesty of God's creation by
    providing children with a chance at a better life.
    This month, we celebrate the blessings of adoption and renew our resolve
    to promote a culture of respect for every human life. Countless
    Americans dedicate their time, energy, and resources to the adoption
    process, and we honor their selfless contributions as community members,
    faith leaders, caregivers, role models, and families. Our Nation is
    strengthened by the sacred institution of the family, and devoted
    parents who love and protect their adopted children. As a Nation, let us
    commit to ensuring a brighter future for all of our Nation's children.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2020 as
    National Adoption Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month
    by helping children and youth in need of a permanent home secure a more
    promising future with a forever family and enter adulthood with the love
    and connections we all need.

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    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fifth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP