On the recordNovember 19, 2014
Mr. Speaker, every November, we celebrate National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day to help build awareness of the many children in foster care who are waiting to find permanent, loving families. Sadly, more than 100,000 children are currently waiting for permanent families and have waited for years in foster care. Every year, dozens age out of the system without ever finding a permanent home. As an adoption attorney for 25 years, I know firsthand how important it is to adopt and provide a stable environment for children. Every child deserves loving parents, and adoption is a great way to unite a child who needs a home with a loving family. Yesterday, I was proud that the New Hampshire bureau of Community and Family Support Services celebrated National Adoption Day with families and community leaders to share positive adoption stories and to draw attention to children in New Hampshire who are waiting to find permanent, loving homes. The families that we are celebrating on National Adoption Day and in National Adoption Month are true heroes. They are opening their hearts and are embarking on the ultimate journey of love and commitment. As a member of both the bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption and Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I will continue to work with my colleagues to help create a better foundation for these precious children to thrive, grow, and flourish into independent and successful adults. ____________________





