National Adoption Day
November is National Adoption Month. This is the 18th year for recognition of National Adoption Month. It started as National Adoption Week in 1984 on the motion of President Ronald Reagan. In 1995, President Clinton extended the recognition from a week to the entire month of November. Pennsylvania participates in presentation of a proclamation every year regarding National Adoption Month pledging its commitment to make sure every child has a place to call home. Pennsylvania specifically recognizes the Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network and PA Adoption Exchange as organizations that work towards the overall goal of permanency for all children.
In addition to a month-long awareness, a National Adoption Day is also recognized. This year it will be November 23, 2013. Philadelphia celebrated last week by completing eighteen adoptions on November 15, 2013. In addition to the completion of the adoptions, the Philadelphia Family court provided face painters, balloons and Mummers as part of their celebration. Another event was held on November 19th in Harrisburg, PA as Dauphin County celebrated National Adoption Day. PA estimates that currently there are approx. 2,500 children in foster care awaiting adoption. You can visit www.adoptpakids.org for more information on the adoption process as well as many of the children in need of a home.
