A JOINT MEMORIAL

DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 21, 2003 AS "ADOPTION DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE".

WHEREAS, each year thousands of abused and neglected children are taken into protective custody by the children, youth and families department; and

WHEREAS, each year the state's judicial system determines that it is not in the best interest of approximately three hundred of those abused and neglected children to be returned to their families of origin; and

WHEREAS, the children, youth and families department is charged with finding adoptive homes for abused and neglected children; and

WHEREAS, from 1995 through 2002, due to the dedication and awareness-raising efforts of the children, youth and families department, one thousand nine hundred twenty-seven New Mexico children were adopted; and

WHEREAS, the number of children, youth and families department adoptive placements annually increased one hundred thirty-seven percent between 1995 and 2002; and

WHEREAS, although that increase in adoptions represents substantial progress, there are still many New Mexico children who need permanent and loving homes; and

WHEREAS, the children, youth and families department continues to strive to raise public and legislative awareness about the need for homes for many of New Mexico's children who await adoption; and

WHEREAS, on February 21, 2003, staff members of the children, youth and families department and New Mexico children from around the state who need adoptive homes, along with their foster parents, will be present at the state capitol in order to raise awareness among the legislators about the crucial need for adoptive homes;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 21, 2003 be designated "Adoption Day at the Legislature"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the children, youth and families department.