National Adoption Month, 2006

Proclamation 8074 of October 30, 2006

National Adoption Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Adoption Month, we encourage the
adoption of young people in need, and we honor the
adoptive and foster families who have offered children
a loving and supportive home.

The best of America is reflected in the many citizens
who have adopted children as their own. Mothers and
fathers are the most important influences in a child's
life, and children with caring, involved parents can
better realize the full promise of America. Parents
help their children thrive by encouraging them to aim
high, work hard, and make good choices that will lead
to healthy, satisfying lives. On November 18, loving
families across America will celebrate National
Adoption Day by finalizing their adoptions of children
from foster care. This day will also raise awareness of
the many children still waiting to be adopted and
encourage more Americans to choose adoption.

My Administration is committed to helping place
children with caring families. Through the
Collaboration to AdoptUsKids project at
adoptuskids.org, we are working to provide guidance and
support for parents considering adoption. We are also
offering tax credits to ease the financial burden on
adoptive families, and we are providing funding to help
strengthen State adoption services through the Adoption
Incentives Program and the Promoting Safe and Stable
Families Program. Together, these efforts can help
connect children with loving families and help provide
greater hope and opportunity for America's children.

During National Adoption Month, we pay tribute to the
parents who have opened their hearts and homes and
helped provide love and stability for young people. By
caring for the youngest members of our society, these
families are helping our children grow into successful
adults and building the future of our country.

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 2006 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
thirtieth day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.