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Date: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 1997 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Kharfen (202)401-9215
"These awards recognize extraordinary contributions to the national effort to support adoption and promote permanency for children in foster care," said Secretary Shalala. "We honor them today for their commitment, vision and accomplishments."
The awards were announced the same day President Clinton was signing into law the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, to help thousands of children waiting in foster care to move more quickly into safe and permanent homes.
"Adoption 2002" is HHS' response to President Clinton's initiative to double by that year the number of children in foster care who are adopted or otherwise permanently placed. Many of the recommendations of the "Adoption 2002" report were included in the legislation signed by the President today. The recommendations included unprecedented financial incentives to states to increase adoptions, placing the safety of children as the paramount concern in placement decisions, and setting swifter time frames for permanent placement decisions. Also, the report recommended annual honors to those who make exemplary contributions toward meeting the President's goal.
"President Clinton has set an ambitious and critical challenge to the country to provide children in foster care with permanent homes," said Olivia A. Golden, assistant secretary for children and families. "In signing the Adoption and Safe Families Act into law today, the President gives the federal and state government partnership the tools to achieve his goal."
Today's awards recognized contributions by adoptive families and leadership by individuals as well as outstanding performance by organizations.
A committee representing non-profit adoption agencies, child welfare and adoption advocates, adoptive parents, foundations, the business community, and state and federal offices reviewed and evaluated more than 100 nominations and selected 13 winners in seven categories.
The winners by category are as follows:
Support for Adoptive Families:
Public Awareness: