Know someone who has gone above and beyond to help children in foster care and those awaiting adoption rebuild their lives? Now is the time to get them a little recognition for all of their kindness.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Administration Children and Families’ Children’s Bureau has opened nominations for the annual Adoption Excellence Awards, which recognize families, agencies and organizations for their commitment to children. The awards, which give a nod toward innovation and leadership for kids, have been held since 1997.
There are currently 437,000 children in foster care in the U.S. Of these, 125,000 are waiting to be adopted. Illinois has 17,920 kids in foster care, with 3,347 available for adoption, according to AdoptUsKids, a federally funded program that helps families understand foster care and adoption.
“… Too often, children languish in foster care awaiting an adoptive family or exit care without the safety and permanence of a stable home,” says Jerry Milner, associate commissioner of the Children’s Bureau.
“The Adoption Excellence Awards honor leadership and innovation in the commitment toward rebuilding the lives of children in foster care and those who are waiting for adoption. They represent the recognition of the extraordinary efforts of families, professionals, businesses, the media and other organizations that have demonstrated dedication and innovation in finding permanency and stability for America’s waiting children,” he says.
Obtain a nomination packet for the 2020 Adoption Excellence Awards here. Nominations are due June 30.
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