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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.
Angels in Adoption Archive List
Angels in Adoption Slideshows
Angels in Adoption Program Books
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