Proc. 002-02
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
PROCLAMATION
NOVEMBER 2002 AS ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, each child deserves a loving, nurturing and permanent home. Sadly, tens of
thousands abused and neglected children in the care of child welfare agencies are waiting for such
a home. These children are not the newborns most people picture when they think of adoption.
Generally, they are older boys and girls and teenagers who may have unique medical, psychological
or physical needs. Adoption gives them a brighter future, brings great joy to the adoptive parents
and places fewer demands on social services.
WHEREAS, nearly all ofthese children have special needs because of physical, mental or
emotional disabilities, because they must be placed as a sibling group, because they are minorities,
or because they are school aged; and
WHEREAS, these children need extra patience and support to help them overcome previous
hardships; and
WHEREAS, there are families able and willing to adopt children who have special needs;
and
WHEREAS, it is important to stress that a disability, low income, or unmarried status does
not preclude the right to adopt; and
WHEREAS, children waiting for adoptive parents and families who have adopted these
children require and deserve community and public agency support.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard C. Shickle, Chairman ofthe Board of Supervisors of the
County of Frederick, Virginia, do hereby proclaim November, 2002 as
ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH
in Frederick County.
In honor of this event, I encourage citizens, community agencies, religious organizations,
businesses, and others to celebrate adoption, honor families that grow through adoption, further an
awareness of the changes and issues in adoption, and focus attention on those children who live in
the shadow of an uncertain future while they await permanent families.
ADOPTED this 9th day of October, 2002.
..
o 0 Q ~~
Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
County of Frederick, Virginia
PROCLAMA nON NO.: 002-02