Proclamation 9957-National Adoption Month, 2019
Issued 2019-10-31 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Donald J. Trump issued Proclamation 9957 in October 2019, officially designating November 2019 as "National Adoption Month." This action is a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to adoption. As a proclamation, it does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens. Instead, it is a purely declaratory act
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Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9957-National Adoption Month, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to adoption. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9957—National Adoption Month, 2019 October 31, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every child is precious and deserves a loving family of his or her own. During National Adoption Month, we honor the adoptive parents who provide homes—and the invaluable gifts of hope, love, and stability—to thousands of infants, children, and youth. We also recognize the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to sustain their families through compassion and hard work. The families who provide forever homes to children and youth in the foster care system should be recognized for their loving adoptions. While preliminary data show a fortunate decline in the foster care population over the past year, foster care numbers are still too high. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 alone, nearly 690,000 children and youth were served by the foster care system. While there were more than 63,000 adoptions from the foster care system in FY 2018, thousands of children and youth are still waiting to find permanent, loving families. The need is urgent. We must improve efforts to recruit new adoptive families while faithfully supporting, equipping, and encouraging those families who have already ta