Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of
State
Washington, DC
November 1, 2010
Over the last ten years, American families have opened their hearts and homes
to more than 200,000 children from other countries. They have given
vulnerable children the opportunity to thrive. And families who adopt are
enriched by the love of their new children, and the heritage they bring from
their birth countries. This November, we celebrate National Adoption Month
and join with groups across the nation to recognize these special
families.
The State Department is committed to safeguarding the interests of children,
birth parents and adoptive parents worldwide. Earlier this year, I was
pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Susan Jacobs as Special
Advisor for International Children’s Issues. Ambassador Jacobs’ office
will work with our consulates and with foreign governments around the world to
ensure that the child’s best interests are at the heart of every adoption.
We will also encourage other nations to join us as parties to the Hague Adoption
Convention which helps ensure ethical and transparent adoptions for
everyone.
Every boy and girl deserves the chance to grow up safe, happy and
loved. This month, we honor the great commitment of all families who
embrace children through adoption—thank you. Thank you for changing a
child’s life.
http://adoption.state.gov/news/nat_adopt_month.html