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Dr. Boozman's Check-up

For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a time where we gather with our families to recognize the blessings we have received over the year. For some of us, these blessings include a fruitful harvest, new jobs, and additions to our families. However, for more than 400,000 children in the United States, it is a time that serves as a painful reminder that they have gone another year without knowing how it feels to enjoy a Thanksgiving full of love surrounded by family.

These 400,000 children will spend the upcoming holidays in the foster care system, and while the number of adoptions from inside the United States is rising, 40 percent of these children will spend at least three years in the foster care system. 

All children deserve the opportunities to grow and strive that sometimes can only be given to them by the love and affection a family can give. This is why I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues to designate November as National Adoption Month, and November 23 as National Adoption Day. It is our hope that we can bring awareness to the thousands of children who are waiting to find their forever families. 

I am very encouraged by the work that is being done in Arkansas to raise awareness for the 3,500 children who are in the state’s foster care system at any given time. Honoring the work being done to raise awareness about adoption we recognize Arkansans for their dedication to providing permanent and loving homes for the children who are in the foster care system and are waiting for a family. 

As part of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute which coordinates the Angels in Adoption program, we celebrate outstanding individuals for their dedication and commitment to providing children with the protection, permanency, safety and love of a family. 

Families across the state are committed to sharing their love with children who need parents. Hundreds of children were adopted in Arkansas last year and we can continue to  find loving homes for children in need.