Partners with the "Adoptive Family Portrait Project" to raise awareness about the importance of adoption

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) joins with national lawmakers and the President in raising awareness about the importance of adoption by participating in National Adoption Month. On November 1st 2010, President Obama issued a statement proclaiming November as National Adoption Month.

There are an estimated 424,000 children in foster care in the United States, and 2,837 children waiting to be adopted in Massachusetts. Last year 57,000 children found their new families through adoption, and in Massachusetts, 790 children were adopted out of foster care. However, 115,000 children across the country are still waiting to be adopted.

This year, Saturday, November 20th marks the celebration of National Adoption Day. And Massachusetts will see over 200 children adopted throughout the Bay State to mark the day.

The goals of "National Adoption Day" include:

Finalize adoptions from foster care in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico;
Celebrate and honor all families who adopt;
Raise awareness about the children in foster care waiting for adoption;
Encourage others to adopt children from foster care; and
Communicate availability and need for post-adoptive services.

“Every child deserves a family and a loving home. This National Adoption Day, I honor and thank those families who are providing both by adopting children who entered the system through no fault of their own,” said Markey. “By increasing the adoption of children into safe, permanent, loving homes here in Massachusetts and across the nation, we can ensure that more children have the opportunity to lead the healthy, successful lives they deserve.”

Through "Voice for Adoption," a national adoption advocacy organization, Congressman Markey was partnered with a constituent family in Massachusetts for their "Adoptive Family Portrait Project" in an effort to raise awareness and support National Adoption Month. This family's picture and inspirational adoption story will be displayed in Markey’s office throughout the month in honor of National Adoption Month. Last year, 8 jurisdictions throughout Massachusetts participated in National Adoption Day.
 
To learn more about Voice for Adoption visit www.voice-for-adoption.org or about National Adoption Day visit www.nationaladoptionday.org . To find out more about adoption in Massachusetts, call the Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 548-4802.

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