Capital Law Professor Angela Upchurch Participated in White House Roundtable Discussion

November 28, 2007

November 16, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush welcomed honored guests, including members of Congress and representatives of a number of prominent national child welfare organizations, to the White House in celebration of National Adoption Day 2007. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Bush stated, “Today is a chance to thank both the parents who give children life -- and the parents who give children love,” and recognized adoptive parents for their commitment to helping children grow up in safe and loving homes. The President reminded guests of the 100,000 children currently awaiting adoption from foster care systems across the nation. Expressing his gratitude toward adoptive parents, the President also encouraged more Americans to explore adoption.

Professor Angela Upchurch, Real Living Academic Director of the National Center for Adoption Law & Policy, was among the national child welfare leaders who joined the President and First Lady as they marked the celebration of National Adoption Day. Prior to the White House reception, Professor Upchurch participated in the White House Compassion in Action Roundtable on “Faith and Community Solutions for Orphans and Vulnerable Children,” aimed at exploring issues that may delay permanency for children who need permanent homes.

“The White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Roundtable brought many diverse organizations together in a spirit of collaboration to address the need for permanency for children in the foster care system.  Much of NCALP’s efforts have been focused on raising public awareness of the plight of children who ‘age out’ of the foster care system without a permanent loving adoptive home,” said Professor Upchurch. “The President and First Lady’s remarks echoed NCALP’s position -- greater strides need to be made to ensure permanent placements for all foster care youth.  It was exciting to see this very important issue receive national attention.”

Click here for more details, including a link to video coverage of the President’s address.