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