Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 5, 2014 / Presidential Documents 65859 

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. 


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65860 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 214 / Wednesday, November 5, 2014 / Presidential Documents 

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 thirtyninth. 

[FR Doc. 2014–26480 

Filed 11–4–14; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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