WHEREAS, November 20th is National Adoption Day and it serves as a reminder that more than 120,000 children and youth waiting to be adopted in the United States are at risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada recognizes the importance of giving children permanent, safe, and loving families through adoption; and

WHEREAS, in 2020 more than 700 of Nevada's children were adopted out of foster care into stable, welcoming Silver State families; and

WHEREAS, Nevada's Adoption Call to Action Team partners with stakeholder organizations to target recruitment strategies and find permanency for youth who have longer stays in foster care; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services believes that every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent family where they will be welcomed, loved and provided with every opportunity to thrive and reach their highest potential; and

WHEREAS, I am proud to join adoptive organizations and families from across Nevada in highlighting the benefits of adoption for foster care children and the integral foundation that Silver State families provide;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim November 20, 2021, as

ADOPTION DAY IN NEVADA