CWA is member of the National Council For Adoption (NCFA). There is new adoption legislation that needs our attention. We invite you to be part of a positive change to help children. Below is an action alert that the NCFA has issued regarding this new legislation, and the some specific ways you can help:
NCFA is pleased to announce that the introduction of the Families for Orphans Act (H.R. 3070 and S. 1458) and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act (S. 1359 and H.R. 3110), both of which are a result of NCFA’s collaborative involvement in the Families for Orphans Coalition.* Both proposed acts represent a potential victory for millions of vulnerable children from around the world who need a permanent family and for child welfare advocates who proactively work globally to address the permanency needs of children.
Introduced by Senator Mary Landrieu and James Inhofe (R-OK) and Representatives John Boozman (R-Arkansas) and Diane Watson (D-Ca), the Families for Orphans Act would establish the Office of Orphan Policy, Diplomacy and Development within the Department of State which would have the responsibility for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy advocating for the preservation of families and other permanency options such as intercountry adoption for orphans.
Also spearheaded by Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and James Inhofe (R-OK) and Representatives Diane Watson (D-CA) and John Boozman (R-AR), the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act simplifies the acquisition of citizenship for internationally adopted children and removes these children of American citizens from the immigration process.
More information about the Families for Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act can be found at www.adoptioncouncil.org.
How can you advocate for these children?
We are asking all you and your adoptive families to become actively engaged with your U.S. Congressional Representative and Senators by urging them to support the Families For Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act. Your visit, telephone call, letter or e-mail can make a difference in the life of a child who is desperately in need of a permanent, loving family.
1. More than 100 families and children visited Capitol Hill on July 15th and participated in 60 meetings educating Members of Congress on the importance of both legislative proposals. Congratulations to Kidsave, our coalition partner, on a successful day of advocacy.
2. In coordination with our coalition partners, we are suggesting a sustained telephone effort by asking you to call Congress over a 72-hour period on July 29, 30, or 31 and urge your three Members of Congress (two in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives) to become a Co-sponsor of the Families For Orphans Act and the Foreign Adopted Children Equality Act. Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff and tell them that as a constituent you are requesting their boss’ support by becoming a Co-sponsor. You can direct the staffer to contact Senators Mary Landrieu and James Inhofe and Representatives Diane Watson and John Boozman for information on becoming a Co-sponsor. For contact information on your representative please visit www.house.gov and for information on your senators please visit www.senate.gov.
3. Sign the online petitions in support of these two bills. These petitions will be delivered to Congress:
The FACE Act: http://gopetition.com/petitions/face-act-of-2009.html
The FFO Act: http://gopetition.com/petitions/families-for-orphans.html
4. Help us get the word out. Send this email to friends, adoptive families, and family. Post it to your Facebook, My Space, and Twitter accounts, your blog, and personal web site.
On behalf of the vulnerable children worldwide, we thank you for your time and your efforts. We can make a positive difference as we work together on behalf of children.
Sincerely,
Chuck Johnson
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (NCFA)
Thanks for your part in helping make a difference in the lives of children who really need it! God bless!
