Pat Irwin Johnston, adoptive parent of three now-adult children and 30+ year advocate in the field of challenged family building, was named one of 2007’s an Angels in Adoption by the late Representative Julia Carson (D, Indiana).
Over the years Pat has been a coalition builder in her home state of Indiana, pulling together many years of multi-agency, multi-support group, cross-discipline professional sponsored conferences for adoptive parents and would-be adoptive parents. She has also served on several local, state, and national boards and committees, including two terms on Adoptive Families of America’s board and as national chair of Resolve and “mothers” the internet adoption-professional bulletin board Adoption Umbrella.
In addition to her hyperactive volunteerism, Pat works professionally as an adoption educator, traveling the US and Canada presenting provocative, uplifiting workshops for professionals and consumers. She is author of several award-winning books (the most recent are 2001’s Adoption Is a Family Affair! What Relatives and Friends Must Know and 2008’s Adopting: Sound Choices, Strong Families) and is the publisher at Perspectives Press, Inc., which focuses exclusively on family building challenges.
We currently are in the process of adopting a sibling group and a single child that we have had since they left the hospital. We have traveled 2 and 3 times a month to a hospital 350 miles away to get treatment for deaf children which included Cochlear implants. We jokingly call them our triplets. Our boys that were adopted at age 2 and 4 years are now 6, Jon, and 7, DJ. Of course, they think they are grown and are a big help to the family mechanics. Our first adopted child is now 22. Adopted in 1994 Javier was born at 24 weeks and spent 2 years in the hospital. Even with a rough start and more than 50 surgeries he is now employed full time at our local hospital in a program that sees him for his abilities.
As you can see we have continued to work at adoptions expanding our hearts by extending our hands to kids in need.
“Out of the many awards I’ve received, the one that means the most to me is the Angel in Adoption award. This award is truly a highlight of my continued effort and hard work to move foster children to adoption in permanent homes. Thank you, CCAI.” -Judge Peter Sakai, 225th District Court, Bexar County, San Antonio, TX
“Since receiving the award we have expanded twice to represent even more children. We often look back on the award and remember how important it was to our morale as a young office just starting out and doing things a bit differently than everyone else. One of the highlights of the award ceremony was actually the day after when we got to meet with Representative Wexler in his office. It was a rare opportunity to discuss children’s issues one on one with a member of Congress. Both Representative Wexler and the CCAI encouraged us to keep on fighting as hard as we can for permanent homes for foster children. We continue to strive to deserve the award the CCAI bestowed on us every time we go to court on behalf of an abused child.” -The Foster Children’s Project, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, FL
Each year, CCAI sponsors Angels in Adoption™, our signature public awareness program, which provides a unique opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity that has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.These heroes hail from all 50 states and the District of Columbia and represent the wide spectrum of individuals involved in the adoption and foster care process. Because of this program, over 1600 “Angels” have come to Washington in celebration of adoption and left with a renewed excitement of all that adoption makes possible.
In addition, CCAI recognizes the work of a select number of “National Angels in Adoption.” As the name implies, a “National Angel” is someone whose impact on foster care or adoption is nation or worldwide. Previous National Angels in Adoption™ winners include: Muhammad Ali, First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, Antwone Fisher, Alonzo Mourning, and Bruce Willis.
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2009 Angels in Adoption™ Report
CCAI welcomed the 2009 Angels in Adoption™ from across the country to Washington this September. The Angels in Adoption™ award is bestowed upon individuals or entities by their Member of Congress for their work on behalf of a child in need of a permanent, loving home. The 2009 Angels in Adoption™ Program is three days of events centered on celebrating the work of the Angels and also training these advocates to continue to affect change on behalf of children in need of homes. This year’s program expanded two-fold from previous years, adding the Adoption and Foster Care Advocacy Fair, Tours of the U.S. Capitol and Washington, DC, an Ice Cream Social, and a Welcome Reception at the Department of State to the schedule. Secretary Hillary Clinton hosted the Angels in Adoption™ at the State Department for a Welcome Reception with Senator Mary Landrieu and Congressman Jim McDermott.
In her address, the Secretary celebrated the Angels’ achievements on behalf of children in need of permanent, loving families. In addition, the Secretary discussed the great need for more to be done in the United States and around the world for these children. “We need you Angels more than ever… We need you to work with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute… We need you to help advise us on how to avoid the pitfalls that sometimes come from laws that are written but are not working in reality.” The Secretary continued, “We need your help in raising awareness about the kids in foster care and orphans in your own community. We need mentors and advocates in your own communities who will defend the rights of vulnerable children in court and of course we need more Americans and people around the world to provide the greatest gift of all by opening their hearts and homes.” A highlight of the Angels program included the Legislative Seminar and Hill Day, where the Angels had an opportunity to share their stories and concerns with Members of Congress and their staff. The sessions commenced with a panel of Congressional Staff representing the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, the Senate Foreign Relations and Finance Committees, and the Congressional Research Service. Angels were instructed on existing child welfare legislation as well as initiatives that Congress is currently considering. Following the Legislative Seminar, the Angels were divided into ten groups and embarked on their Congressional meetings. The three-days of events culminated in the Angels in Adoption™ Gala at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Angels and their guests were joined by Members of Congress and the Administration, as well as members of the community to celebrate all that adoption makes possible. National Angels in Adoption™ Michael Nash, Al Roker, and Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy were presented their awards by Congressman Jim McDermott, Congressman John Boozman, and Senator Mary Landrieu. The evening was an exciting tribute to all that Angels in Adoption™ are doing to better the lives of vulnerable children, and many left inspired to further their commitment to the needs of children around the world.
