The Angels in Adoption™ Program, CCAI’s signature public awareness program, raises congressional awareness about the thousands of foster children in this country, and the millions of children around the world in need of permanent homes. CCAI’s Angels’ event provides an opportunity to members of Congress to recognize and honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of children through adoption.

Established in 1999, the program began as a congressional press conference. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an extraordinary awards gala and celebration in Washington, DC.

The Angels in Adoption™ Awards Gala boasts the most Congressional support of any child welfare event in the nation and is the only program that allows members of Congress to take an active role in selecting a constituent of their choice as an award recipient. CCAI invites all members of Congress to select an individual, family, or organization from their home states who have significantly contributed to changing the lives of children in need; specifically through adoption and foster care. Each Angel and member of Congress is invited to attend the Angels in Adoption™ Awards Gala, where they meet and share their personal experiences and involvement in adoption and foster care. In addition, National Angels are selected by the Congressional Directors of CCAI for their work on a national and international scale.

In September 2003, CCAI was pleased to honor over 160 Congressional Angels in Adoption™ from all 50 states, including National Angels Muhammad and Lonnie Ali and actor Bruce Willis who were honored for their advocacy for foster and adopted children.

The 2004 Angels in Adoption celebration was held on September 28th with more than 1000 people in attendance including Angels from all 50 states and 170 members of Congress participating in the campaign.  Actress Jane Seymour, PGA Golfer Kirk Triplett and NBA executive Pat Williams were honored as National Angels for their dedication to adoption and foster care.   Senator Carl Levin of Michigan and Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania presented awards along side CCAI Congressional board members: Senator Larry Craig, Senator Mary Landrieu, Representative Dave Camp and Representative Jim Oberstar. 

As in 2003, the Angels in Adoption™ Awards Celebration could not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors; namely the Freddie Mac Foundation, founding and premier sponsor, and Target Corporation, premier sponsor.

This year's Angels in Adoption™ event will take place in September 2005 at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center.