Designates first week of May of each year as "Composting Awareness Week" in New Jersey.
Impact
The legislation also addresses issues surrounding children in foster care, many of whom experience substantial emotional and psychological challenges while waiting for adoption. It is noted that children whose biological parents' rights have been terminated often wait an average of two and a half years in the foster system before being adopted. This resolution endeavors to bring attention to these vital statistics and the need for supportive services that can ease these transitions and facilitate adoption.
Summary
SJR11 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced in the New Jersey legislature, which designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving as 'National Adoption Day' and the entire month of November as 'National Adoption Month.' The aim of this resolution is to enhance public awareness regarding adoption services, the foster care system, and to celebrate the contributions of adoptive families while encouraging potential adoptive parents to consider adoption. The resolution recognizes the significant impact foster care has on children, stating that around 400,000 children are in the foster care system in the U.S., with 6,000 in New Jersey alone.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SJR11 appears to be positive, as it promotes the celebration and recognition of adoption, encouraging families to partake in adopting children. By designating specific times for National Adoption Day and Month, New Jersey hopes to foster community involvement and awareness. Despite the general support, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of state resources to support the emotional and practical needs of children in foster care, particularly given the existing challenges in the adoption process.
Contention
Notably, while the resolution is largely celebratory and supportive of adoptive families, it indirectly highlights systemic issues within the child welfare system. Critics of adoption services often point to the challenges families face in navigating bureaucratic processes, which can delay the adoption of children in need. As the resolution emphasizes the importance of expediting adoption processes, the debate may center around how well the state is equipped to handle the complexities and emotional nuances of foster care and adoption services.
Designates month of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Month" in New Jersey; designates last full week of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Week" in New Jersey.