President Launches Adoption Campaign

The following are remarks by President Bush and actor Bruce Willis, spokesperson for children in foster care, during a White House gathering to announce the launch of an adoption campaign, which includes the creation of an adoption web site and public service announcement (PSA).

THE PRESIDENT: "Here's what I love about adoption: It reveals the good heart of America. That's what adoption does. Extending the welcome of family to a vulnerable child is a great commitment, but it's an extraordinary act of love. Adoptive families and foster families deserve our nation's thanks, and our nation's recognition. So, thanks.

"Every year, American families adopt tens of thousands of children. Many of these children come from America's foster care system. Yet there are many more in that system whose deepest desire is to become a member of a family. Today, I'm proud to announce some steps that will make adoption easier and a more common part of our life in America.

"Common sense and social science lead to the same conclusion: Children thrive in secure, loving and stable homes. Providing that kind of home through adoption can be a long and a time-consuming process. I understand that. Adopting a child can add to the normal challenges of one's daily life. I fully understand that, as well. Yet adoption changes a single life forever, and it brings countless blessings to the lives of parents.

"There are many children in America, toddlers, teens, brothers and sisters, who need to stay together, and children from every background. They urgently need love and permanent homes. ...Good foster care is essential; yet children hunger for the stability of a permanent home.

"Earlier this year, I signed into law the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act, which supports adoption and post-adoptive services... It helps ease a child's transition into a new family. It helps ensure that families stay strong and intact.

"The tax relief bill I signed into law last year eases the financial burden on families that adopt children.

"And so, today, I'm pleased to announce the first federal adoption website. It's called AdoptUSKids.org. In its first year of operation, the website will feature pictures and profiles of more than 6,500 children who are available for adoption, as well as maintain a database of prospective adoptive parents who have been approved by the states.

"Today, I'm also unveiling a new public service announcement campaign to promote adoption. This PSA urges families to consider adopting children in foster care.

"We all know Bruce is a tough guy on the - in the movies. Truth of the matter is, he has a tender heart. He has a tender heart for children. And I'm thrilled he's our new national Spokesman for Children in Foster Care."

BRUCE WILLIS: "Mr. President, you have asked all Americans to serve a cause higher than themselves, and to recognize that these children are our highest priority. A few years ago I became aware of the real needs of so many children in our foster care system. When I began to look more closely into this problem, I realized that too many children in foster care are falling through the cracks, and many are leaving the system as young adults without any support to help them reach their full potential. I also learned that there are many people who would welcome the chance to help children in foster care, if only someone showed them how they could do it."

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