U.S. Rep. Karen Bass Recognizes National Adoption Day

WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of National Adoption Day, U.S. Rep. Karen Bass spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday, November 17, 2011. A link to the video can be found here. Rep. Bass also releases the following statement:

“Tomorrow, as we celebrate National Adoption Day, we are recognizing a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the children in foster care who are eligible and waiting for adoption, as well as to celebrate families that have chosen to make a lasting difference in the life of a child through adoption or relative-based care. Since 2000, more than 35,000 children have been adopted as part of National Adoption Day activities, with 4,800 children adopted in 2011. This year, we hope to exceed 5,000 adoptions nationwide and nearly 500 in California. 

“While the number of children in foster care has significantly decreased over the past decade, the number of adoptions has remained unchanged. For years youth often wait in foster care before finding a permanent family through adoption.  During their time in foster care, children are moved from home to home, changing schools, losing friends, coping with separation from siblings, and wondering if they will ever have anyone to call “mom” or “dad” again. What’s worse is that nearly 28,000 youth age out of foster care each year having never been adopted, often going through life alone, without the support systems children with permanent families have, not to mention sharing holiday traditions or a family meal.

“As Co-Chair of both the Congressional Adoption and Foster Care caucuses, I am deeply committed to this work and will continue to collaborate with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve the quality of life for our nation’s most vulnerable and resilient youth. National Adoption Day reminds us that it is our responsibility and in our best interest to find solutions to ensure children have the opportunity to live in a safe and loving home.”