As the broadcast team and I continue to make our way across the country this week (we’re in Tampa tonight!) as part of the Focus on the Family Live! tour, I followed with interest the National Adoption Month celebration taking place yesterday in Washington, D.C.
My colleague and friend Dr. Sharen Ford was in the audience for Vice President Pence’s eloquent and moving address in which he extolled the gift of adoption while highlighting the critical needs of too many children currently in our state’s foster care systems.
In his opening remarks, he acknowledged President Trump’s sterling proclamation on adoption, in which he stated, “Every child – born and unborn – is uniquely gifted by their Creator and endowed with both potential and immeasurable value … [And that this month,] we recognize the loving and devoted individuals who are part of God’s plan for every child by taking on the role of a parent through adoption.”
The Vice President then assured those gathered that the administration was committed to using every means at their disposal to govern in ways that strengthen families.
“Since day one of this administration, under the leadership of President Donald Trump and with the hard work of the men and women here at HHS, we’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen families and support the most vulnerable among us – including by reducing the need for children to enter foster care in the first place.”
He continued:
“I’m proud to report that this year – for the first time in nearly a decade – we’ve seen a decrease in the number of children in foster care. And last year, more children than ever were adopted from foster care … And more than 63,000 children found their forever homes with the help and support of loving families all across the nation.”
We cheer the news of every child’s homecoming, but as someone who spent time in foster care, my heart aches for those kids who remain on the rolls, wondering if they’ll ever have a permanent home base and parents who love them unconditionally.
Of course, this was the inspiration behind our Wait No More program, Focus’ campaign to encourage believers to prayerfully consider whether or not the Lord may be calling them to adopt a child – or support others who do in some form or fashion.
During Tuesday’s special event, the Vice President highlighted the many ways the administration has championed relevant legislation concerning at-risk families.
“Last year, President Trump signed into law the Family First Prevention Act,” Mr. Pence said, “which matches federal funds with state programs to help parents get help they need to keep children at home – from substance abuse treatment to mental health services and family counseling.”
Concluding his remarks, the Vice President stated:
“I’ve long believed that if you’re pro-life, you’re pro-adoption … So know that this Administration will always defend the sanctity of human life at every stage and in every circumstance.”
We welcome and cheer Mr. Pence’s unabashed support for the most vulnerable among us. He’s using the bully pulpit for good – and we pray that young lives will be transformed as a result.
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