Since some Christian denominations recognize today as All Saints’ Day (a day to honor role models past and present, living and dead), I decided to do a bit of research on people who have had a great impact on adoption. Of course this list could include many, many people. I hope that holding up a few will reflect honor on all of those who continue to work for children and families.
The U.S. Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute established the annual “Angels in Adoption” awards and gala to honor the unsung heroes from all 50 states who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans. These include authors and entertainers who have increased awareness of adoption or held benefits for children in foster care, as well as adoption agency staff and social workers. I recognized a few names on the list: adoptive parent authors, a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting internationally adopted children,and the head of an adoption lawyers’ organization. Many agencies and charitable associations have also won the award.
Past Angels in Adoption Award recipient Dave Thomas, best known as founder of the Wendy’s restaurant chain, was adopted at the age of six weeks. In 1990, the first President Bush asked him to head the White House Initiative on Adoption. In this position he focused on increasing awareness of adoption. He also delved into obstacles to adoption, such as red tape and cost. He wrote to CEOs of Fortune 1000 companies asking them to offer their employees adoption benefits. He met with U.S. state Governors asking for adoption benefits to state employees. His advocacy helped bring about two major adoption laws: The 1996 Adoption Tax Credit ($5,000 then; $10,000 now) and the 1997 Adoption and Safe Families Act, which streamlined adoption procedures with the goal of reducing time children spend in foster care, providing accountability and providing states with incentives to decide either for adoption or safe birth family reunification within 18 months.
Of course, let’s not forget to celebrate the social workers, foster parents, adoptive parents, and birth parents who make adoption possible. November is National Adoption Month —a great time to thank all those who’ve assisted in your adoption or in your child’s care.
My next blog will mention a few “angels” in international adoption.
Please see these related blogs:
Social Workers: A Day in Their Shoes