National Adoption Month, 2008

Proclamation 8315 of October 31, 2008

National Adoption Month, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Adoption Month, we recognize the
compassion of adoptive and foster families as we seek
to raise awareness of the need for every child in
America to have a safe, loving, and permanent home.

Adopting a child is a great joy and also a great
responsibility. Parents are a child's first teachers,
and adoptive families can help children learn character
and values, the importance of giving back to their
community and country, and the courage to realize their
potential. On November 15, caring parents across our
Nation will celebrate National Adoption Day by
finalizing their adoptions and bringing home children
in need of a hopeful life.

My Administration is committed to helping young people
find the love, stability, and support that a family can
provide. We have joined with community and faith-based
organizations to raise public awareness of foster
children awaiting adoption. With the help of the
Congress, we are assisting families in overcoming the
financial barriers to adopting children through
programs such as the Adoption Incentives Program. In
addition, the Collaboration to AdoptUsKids project,
which can be found at adoptuskids.org, provides
guidance and resources for parents exploring adoption.

During National Adoption Month, we honor adoptive and
foster parents who have shown America the depth and
kindness of the human heart. Their love and dedication
inspire the next generation of Americans to achieve
their dreams and demonstrate the true spirit of our
Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim November 2008 as National
Adoption Month. I call upon all Americans to observe
this month with appropriate programs and activities to
honor adoptive families and to participate in efforts
to find permanent homes for waiting children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.