Bill
Bill > SJR13
NJ SJR13
NJ SJR13Designates Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designates November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designates the month of November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of adoption services and the foster care system, to educate prospective parents about the options available to them when considering adoption, and to celebrate finalized adoptions for families. Many children in the foster care system do not receive the appropriate emotional and financial support necessary to succeed in life that other children receive from their families. Children in foster care may experience more physical, emotional, and psychological trauma in their lifetimes than their peers, adding to the difficulties endured while waiting for a permanent home. While adoption statistics are trending in the right direction, there is still a vast need to encourage more parents to consider adoption, and that begins with a willingness to expedite the adoption process and celebrate its success. Starting with former Los Angeles Presiding Judge Michael Nash in the 1990s, celebrations have been held during the month of November aimed at finalizing adoptions and recognizing the newly united families. Many county vicinages in New Jersey host National Adoption Day services during the week prior to Thanksgiving Day, in part to unite families before the holiday season, but generally to bring awareness to the thousands of children that continue to wait for a resolution, especially for children who spend years in the system and teenagers who are close to aging out and becoming independent. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designate the month of November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey, aiming to raise awareness about adoption services and celebrate families formed through adoption. The resolution highlights the significant challenges faced by children in the foster care system, noting that approximately 400,000 children are in foster care daily nationwide, with 6,000 in New Jersey, and many experiencing psychological and emotional trauma. The resolution acknowledges that children in foster care often spend an average of two and a half years waiting for adoption, with over 20,000 youth annually aging out of the system without essential emotional and financial support. Inspired by former Los Angeles Presiding Judge Michael Nash's efforts in the 1990s to expedite adoptions, the resolution calls for the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the day and month with appropriate activities and programs. The goal is to recognize the importance of adoption, celebrate the compassion of adoptive families, and bring attention to the thousands of children seeking permanent, nurturing homes.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SJR13 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SJR/13_I1.HTM |
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