BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
A PROCLAMATION 
 
ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Every child deserves to grow up in a loving and nurturing family , with adults to help guide them to a happy and productive life; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Each November, foster care and adoption entities nationwide implement activities, programs, and other efforts to build awareness of the thousands of children who are in the foster care system waiting to be adopted; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Georgia is committed to educating every citizen about the need for adoptive parents statewide, on  behalf of the many children under the care of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, in conjunction with Adoption Awareness Month, is sponsoring a month long initiative to build awareness of children in need of "Forever Families," and to recruit adoptive parents for the children available for adoption in Georgia's foster care system ; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
By providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children, we can ensure that they will grow to their full potential as the next generation of Georgia's leaders, helping to secure the future of this state and nation; now 
 
THEREFORE: 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim November 2016 as ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH in Georgia. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 24th day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen. 
 
ATTEST 
 
GOVERNOR 
 
CH IEF OF STAFF