Proclamation 9354-National Adoption Month, 2015
Issued 2015-10-28 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate November 2015 as National Adoption Month. The proclamation recognizes and thanks adoptive families for providing homes to children in need. It's a ceremonial declaration that draws public attention to adoption and the children waiting for families, but it doesn't create any new laws or spending programs.
The proclamation notes that more than 400,000 children are in foster care across America, with over 100,000 waiting for adoptive homes. Last year, over 23,000 youth aged out of the foster care system without finding permanent families. The proclamation highlights November 21 as National Adoption Day and encourages Americans to support efforts to find permanent families for children in need.
The proclamation also mentions several adoption-related policy actions the administration had already taken, including implementing new federal leave policies for employees adopting children, permanently extending the Adoption Tax Credit to help with adoption costs, and signing the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act to set standards for adoption service providers. This type of presidential proclamation is purely ceremonial—it expresses the President's sentiments and raises awareness but doesn't impose any legal obligations on citizens or require congressional approval.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9354-National Adoption Month, 2015" — 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 Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9354—National Adoption Month, 2015 October 28, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation All young people deserve a safe place to live, and with each passing year, more children know the warmth and comfort of a loving family thanks to adoptive parents. People who adopt do so for a variety of reasons, but they are united in the kindness and devotion they show toward children—the people who need it most. During National Adoption Month, we recognize the selflessness of adoptive families, and we thank them for opening their hearts and their doors to young people in need of a safe, stable place to call home. More than 400,000 children are in foster care across America today, and over 100,000 of these children are waiting for an adoptive home. Last year, over 23,000 youth aged out of the foster care system without having found their forever families. When people adopt, they open up a world of promise and possibility by providing a steady, supportive environment for youth to live in. November 21 marks National Adoption Day, when we unite as families, advocates, and communities—and as a country—to raise awareness of the barriers to adoption and recommit ourselves to mov