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.