Raymond Torres Attends White House Ceremony

Shelton CT, 9/15/02: Casey Family Services continues to be recognized as a leader in the field of child welfare. Executive Director Raymond Torres was invited to attend a White House ceremony, at which President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush announced a new initiative to increase public awareness and encourage Americans to consider adopting children in foster care.

"I believe we were invited to participate in this event because of our prominence in the field of adoption and post-adoption," says Raymond Torres, Executive Director of Casey Family Services. "The President specifically mentioned post-adoption services [as part of his initiative] and we were the only agency testifying [before Congress] about such services. I think we had an impact not only on the legislation but on the thinking."

During the event, the President announced the creation of the first federal and only national web site focusing on children waiting to be adopted. In its first year, www.adoptuskids.org will feature pictures and profiles of over 6,500 children from 46 states who are available for adoption, as well as a database of approved adoptive families. In addition, the President announced a new public service advertising campaign featuring the First Lady and actor Bruce Willis that encourages individuals to consider adopting foster care children. Bruce Willis was also introduced as the national spokesperson for children in foster care.