U.S.  Rep. State Rep. Donna Givens, this week for her work on the state’s Baby Boxes program.

In a ceremony Wednesday in Washington, Givens (R-Loxley) was presented the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award.

“The test of a great society has always been in how it treats its children,” said Aderholt (R-Haleyville). “A moral society recognizes that investing in our children is an investment in continuing the way of life we hold so dear.

“Representative Givens’ bill has already saved lives. So far, just in the past year, three babies have been surrendered at fire station baby boxes. Babies whose mothers made the ultimate sacrifice of love, to surrender their babies knowing they would have a better life in better circumstances. These infants and the ones who will be surrendered in the future will have a chance to be adopted by families who will care for them and ensure their safety.

“Because of the work done by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and champions like Representative Donna Givens, I am reassured that the vision we all share –that a world where each child feels the love and support of a family – is well within reach.”

According to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that there are almost 114,000 foster children eligible for and waiting to be adopted. In 2021, 54,200 foster kids were adopted marking a decline of approximately 3,700 from the year before.