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More than 500,000 U.S. children are in foster care; approximately 129,000 are waiting for someone to adopt them. The United States Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has partnered with the Collaboration to AdoptUSKids to develop a public education campaign, Answering the Call: A National Campaign to Encourage Adoption of Children from Foster Care, to increase public awareness and encourage adoption of children from the public foster care system.

Beginning this month, multi-media public service announcements (PSAs), developed in collaboration with The Advertising Council, will encourage prospective parents to realize that they "don't have to be a hero to be a hero," and "don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent." The campaign addresses prospective adoptive parents’ fears and encourages individuals to realize that they have the ability to be adoptive parents. ACF also will use the campaign to issue a national call to action for prospective parents to adopt children from foster care by offering important, accurate information about the foster care system and the adoption process.

The PSAs, which are being placed on television, in print outlets, and on the radio by The Advertising Council, will encourage adults to learn more about adoption of children from foster care by calling AdoptUSKids (888-200-4005) or by visiting the website at www.AdoptUSKids.org. Officially launched by the President and First Lady in 2002, the website provides information about how to become an adoptive parent and features children across the United States who are waiting for permanent, loving homes.

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This summer, the Children's Bureau and the Collaboration to AdoptUSKids will sponsor the National Adoption and Foster Care Recruitment Summit, Answering the Call: Partnering with Communities of Faith. The Summit, taking place in Washington, DC, on July 15 - 16, will provide an opportunity for Communities of Faith, States, and Tribes to enhance partnerships that recruit and support foster and adoptive families. Attendees will learn about programs and innovative solutions developed to enhance partnerships between faith communities and States and Tribes and will have opportunities to share practice information. Registration is free. For more information visit www.cwla.org/conferences/2004adoptuskids.htm.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2004 Adoption Excellence Awards. The deadline for nominations is August 2. To learn more, visit the Children's Bureau website at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/initiatives/aeawards.htm.