Whereas, Wisconsin supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Month by promoting awareness of adoption and the children in foster care awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption, recognizing current programs and efforts designed to promote adoption, and encouraging people in Wisconsin to seek improved safety, permanency, and well-being for all children; and

Whereas, there are nearly 500,000 children in the foster care system in the United States, approximately 130,000 of whom are waiting for families to adopt them; and

Whereas, nearly 54 percent of the children in foster care are ten years of age or younger; and

Whereas, the average length of time a child spends in foster care is more than two years; and

Whereas, for many foster children, the wait for a permanent, adoptive, “forever" family in which they are loved, nurtured, comforted, and protected seems endless; and

Whereas, the number of youth who age out of the foster care system by reaching adulthood without being placed in a permanent home has increased by more than 60 percent since 1998, as nearly 28,000 foster youth aged out of foster care in 2007; and

Whereas, every day loving and nurturing families are strengthened and expanded when committed and dedicated individuals make an important difference in the life of a child through adoption; and

Whereas, National Adoption Month celebrates the gift of adoption, recognizing the adoptive and foster families who share their hearts and homes with children in need, and raises awareness of the need for families for the many waiting children, particularly older children and teens, children of color, members of sibling groups, and children with physical and emotional challenges; now, therefore, be it