Designates Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designates November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey.
Impact
The bill emphasizes the critical issues facing children in the foster care system, highlighting that approximately 400,000 children are in such care daily, with many experiencing emotional and psychological trauma. Approximately 6,000 children in New Jersey are in foster care, and the resolution seeks to address the lengthy wait times for adoption, which can average two and a half years. By recognizing National Adoption Day, the state aims to encourage more families to consider adoption, thereby potentially reducing the number of children waiting for permanent homes.
Summary
SJR11 is a joint resolution introduced in the State of New Jersey's 222nd Legislature, which proposes the designation of the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as 'National Adoption Day' and the entire month of November as 'National Adoption Month'. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about adoption services and the options available to prospective adoptive parents. It is also intended to celebrate the families and children involved in the adoption process through various festivities throughout the month, notably during National Adoption Day.
Contention
Although SJR11 is primarily supportive and celebratory in nature, it draws attention to some contentious issues within the foster care system, including the ongoing opioid crisis that has contributed to increased numbers of children entering foster care. There are concerns that some otherwise suitable family members may be disqualified from becoming kinship guardians due to drug use. The resolution also stands as a statement against the backdrop of societal challenges that children in foster care face, particularly the lack of emotional and financial support for those aging out of the system.