Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 1.djvu/362

 98 STAT. 314

PUBLIC LAW 98-343—JULY 9, 1984 Public Law 98-343 98th Congress

Mi-M w myr^iio-j ruoi. Joint Resolution

^—'[S.J. Res. 238]

To designate the week beginning November 19, 1984, as "National Adoption Week".

Whereas the week of November 19 has been privately commemorated as National Adoption Week for the past nine years; Whereas we in Congress recognize the essential value of belonging to a secure, loving, permanent family as every child's basic right; Whereas approximately one hundred thousand children who have special needs—school age, in sibling groups, members of minorities or children with physical, mental and emotional handicaps— are now in foster care or institutions financed at public expense and are legally free for adoption; Whereas the adoption by capable parents of these institutionalized or foster care children into permanent, adoptive homes would insure the opportunity for their continued happiness and longrange well-being; Whereas public and private barriers inhibiting the placement of these special needs children must be reviewed and removed where possible to assure these children's adoption; Whereas the public and prospective parents must be informed of the availability of adoptable children; Whereas a variety of media, agencies, adoptive parent and advocacy groups, civic and church groups, businesses and industries will feature publicity and information to heighten community awareness of the crucial needs of waiting children; and Whereas the recognition of Thanksgiving week as National Adoption Week is in the best interest of adoptable children and the public in general: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of November 19 through November 25, 1984, hereby is designated "National Adoption Week", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved July 9, 1984.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 238: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD,-Vol. 130 (1984): Feb. 27, considered and passed Senate. June 26, considered and passed House.

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