National Adoption Month, 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 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.