News Release
Voices for Children Contact: Amanda Schaap
Phone: 858-598-2213
Email: amandas@speakupnow.org
CCAI Contact: Kate McLean
Phone: 202-544-8500 ext. 11
Email: kate@ccainstitute.org
(October 27, 2020) SAN DIEGO— Representative Scott Peters recognized Voices for Children’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Capen Douglas, Esq., as a 2020 Angels in Adoption® Honoree for outstanding service on behalf of adoption and foster care issues. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) coordinates the Angels in Adoption® Program which honored Douglas.
Voices for Children operates the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in San Diego and Riverside Counties, which provides trained, volunteer advocates to children in foster care to help children navigate the complex foster care system and ensure their needs are being met. As part of their role, a CASA provides reports to the court to help judges make the most informed decisions about a child’s future. CASAs often support children on their journey to adoption or guardianship by staying apprised of how children are doing in their living situations, helping children transition from the possibility of reunifying with their biological families to other possible opportunities for stability, and encouraging both children and adoptive families during what can be a long, arduous process.
The Angels in Adoption® Program is CCAI’s signature public awareness event and provides an annual opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of children and families in the United States and abroad. This year, more than 95 Angels are being honored through the 22nd Annual Angels in Adoption® Program.
Representative Peters shared, “Supporting and meeting the needs of those in foster care is a commitment that makes a difference in the lives of thousands of children. Kelly Capen Douglas’ commendable leadership at Voices for Children and the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program is instrumental in building a prosperous and loving future for children, as they experience the sometimes difficult process towards adoption, guardianship or biological family reunification. I’m honored to recognize her work in San Diego and Riverside Counties as a 2020 Angels in Adoption Honoree.”
“The Angels in Adoption program gives a platform to the families, advocates, and experts who so often serve quietly behind the scenes yet make a huge impact on behalf of children and families. Together with the Adoption Caucus, we are thrilled to shine a light on the extraordinary work of our Angels,” said CCAI’s Executive Director, Nancy Kay Blackwell.
In addition to the Angel honorees from around the country, CCAI also honors a select number of National Angels in Adoption® whose contributions have had a national impact. The 2020 National Angels are Magnolia Earl & Family (Gerber’s 2020 & First Adopted Spokesbaby), Todd Tilghman (adoptive parent and 2020 Winner of The Voice), Miranda & Luke Caldwell (adoptive parents and stars on HGTV’s Boise Boys), and This Is Us (award-winning family drama television show with adoption and foster care storylines).
Past National Angels include Muhammad Ali, First Lady Laura Bush, Kristin Chenoweth, Scott Fujita, Deborra-lee Furness, Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley, Patti LaBelle, Ne-Yo, Rhea Perlman, Shonda Rhimes, Korie and Willie Robertson, Al Roker, Jane Seymour, Sean Anders, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, Bruce Willis, Nia Vardalos, Bill Klein and Jen Arnold, Scott and Tracie Hamilton, Connie Britton, Rachel Crow, CBS Studios, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NVIDIA, Hallmark Channel, and PEOPLE Magazine.
CCAI is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about children and youth in the United States and around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes. Founded in 2001 by the co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan adoption caucus – the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, one of Congress’ premier caucuses – CCAI works with the caucus to eliminate policy barriers that hinder children from realizing their basic right of a family and more effectively raise congressional and public awareness about adoption, foster care, and child welfare.
CCAI does not receive any government funding and relies on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish this mission. The 22nd Annual Angels in Adoption Program would not be possible without our Platinum Partners: Arnold & Porter, Carlson Family Foundation, and Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption; and our Gold Partners: American Council of Life Insurers, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Casey Family Programs, and Retail Orphan Initiative.
For more information on CCAI, visit www.ccainstitute.org.
For more information on Voices for Children, its programs that support foster youth, and for ways to get involved, visit www.speakupnow.org.
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ABOUT VOICES FOR CHILDREN
Founded in 1980, Voices for Children (VFC) transforms the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned children in foster care in San Diego and Riverside Counties by providing them with trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASA volunteers advocate for a foster child or sibling group in Court, school, and in the community to ensure their needs are met. VFC believes that every child deserves a safe and permanent home, and strives to provide a CASA volunteer to every child in the foster care system who needs one. Last year, VFC CASAs and staff advocated on behalf of more than 2,600 foster children across San Diego and Riverside Counties.
