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Special Needs Adopted Children/Celebration of Children 1/26/90 [OA 4391]
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25
6
7
2
712501
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 26, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
The East Room
2:39 P.M. EST
RICHARD MIDDLETON: Good evening, boys and girls, and
mothers and fathers. My name is Richard Middleton. I'm 11 years
old. I adopted my father -- (laughter) -- at least a year ago. I
love my father. And I'm very glad that the President and Mrs. Bush
are helping more children like me to find parents to love. That's
why it's such a great honor for me to introduce to you, boys and
girls, moms and dads, the President of the United States.
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Richard, good job. (Applause.)
Well, good afternoon. And thank you, Richard, a
wonderful introduction. You only had to use your cards for one
sentence and I have to use it for the whole speech here, see.
(Laughter.) But you did a great job.
And to Secretary Sullivan, thank you, sir. It's always a
pleasure to be with you. And thank you, everyone, for traveling here
today -- especially the Orsi family, who drove all the way from
Connecticut with their 21 children -- 19 of whom are adopted. And
I'm glad all of you could join me here in the White House. You know,
in fact, this has got to be the most unique event ever held in the
White House I think. It's like a fish pond, moving around. It's
very good. And I'm glad to have you all here.
You know, this time last year, when Barbara and I became
the official caretakers of the White House for four years, the first
thing we did was invite all of our children and our grandchildren to
spend our first night here "together" upstairs as a family.
And my family is very, very important to me and I feel
lucky to have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children and, of
course, now 12 granchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because you, too, are part of a family of your own -- to grow
with you, share with you and, most of all, to love you.
Each of your moms and dads know just how special you are
when they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've got
some of the greatest parents around. And they have so much love to
give you and they feel the warmth and joy of your own love in return.
The kids who are still waiting to be adopted don't have
parents yet, but they're not alone. They have many friends -- people
who have spent their lives helping children just like you find
families -- just like you all helping them find families of their
own.
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are business leaders -- corporate leaders who have
committed to helping children like you find loving homes. For
example, how many of you watch cartoons? Quite a few. Do you know
the Jetsons? or the Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people
who work at Hanna Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're
creating a new character who will encourage families to adopt
MORE
- 2 -
children.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it is very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on this
show find families. And so NBC network is going to work with us to
get more kids on TV and more stations to show "Wednesday's Child" so
more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. He's a friend of mine for a long time,
and his name is Dave Thomas, and he was an adopted child. And he
grew up to be a successful businessman with a family of his own. Now
he's the head of Wendy's Hamburgers -- and by the way, he really does
have his own daughter named Wendy. Now, where is Dave? He was --
here he is, right over here. And he's going to make information
available to help put loving parents together with special needs
children in Wendy's all across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about another man whom I've
just met -- and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is a
noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he deserves even
more credit for what he does in real life. He has adopted 10 special
needs children, 10 children.
You know, single people and older Americans can be great
adoptive parents. And Taurean's not married. He says that having 10
kids will probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time.
(Laughter.) I don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet --
(laughter) -- but I hear that his hair started going gray the minute
he got all these kids. (Laughter.) But he says he wouldn't change
it for the world. He proves that love is something you do every day;
love is something that takes hard work and commitment -- because he
had to fight to get every one of those children.
Taurean asked me to do a head count and make sure nobody
got left behind in the Green Room. Are all 10 of you here?
(Laughter.) Okay, I can't take a count here; I'm too busy here.
(Laughter.) No, all 10 are, I'm sure. And you've got a very special
dad.
You know, people like Taurean, who open up not just their
homes, but their hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have
a number of adoptive parents among us today as well. And you're a
breed apart because while so many people shout about how to make the
world a better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world
in a very special way -- one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift
of limitless love.
This guy's got to go real bad here. (Laughter.) That's
okay, we're used to that around here. That's okay, big guy.
Okay, where were we? (Laughter.) No, but seriously, not
all children are as lucky as the ones here today. There are
thousands of kids in America who still need a home and a family to
care about them. This year, an estimated 30,000 children available
for adoption spent their Christmas holidays waiting for a permanent
home. And most of these kids -- about 60 percent -- are special
needs children. To find families for these kids, our administration
has sent to Congress our Special Needs Adoptive Assistance Act to
help individuals meet the financial commitment involved in adopting
special needs children. We've also taken steps to encourage federal
employees wanting to give loving home to these children, who often
wait for years to be adopted.
Every children in America deserves a loving home and a
family, and they deserve something else -- the chance to succeed in
school and in life. Government cannot substitute for a supportive
home. But some children do need extra help to prepare them for the
challenge of learning.
MORE
- 3 -
At the education summit, the governors and I agreed that
through the Head Start program we are making real progress towards
preparing disadvantaged children for school. And I am pleased to
announce that my 1991 budget will propose the largest increase ever
-- half a billion additional dollars for Head Start. This new
funding will increase the Head Start enrollment to 667, children,
and bring us to the point where we can reach 70 percent of this
nation's disadvantaged four-year-olds through Head Start. I urge the
Congress to fund our Head Start proposal in full, because every
American child with special needs, whether physical, emotional, or
material, deserves the opportunity for a full and happy life.
Our children are precious. And you're the reason all of
us came together here today -- to tell you how special you are to us
and how glad we are that you are in the family. You know, our son
Marvin and his wife Margaret just adopted their second child, a
little grandson, our grandson, Walker. And if I do say so myself --
this guy is really something. And so is his sister, Marshall, who's
also adopted. And they're an important part of our family, and we
love them.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the
Bush family, I've learned something. I've learned this: Adoption is
good for our country, and for the children who need a loving home,
and for the birth parents who want the best for their children. And
for the adoptive parents, by giving them the joy of raising and
loving a child.
See the sign behind me -- "Adoption Works -- for
Everyone. " And that is true. Adoption works because each one of you
is so special. And because you adopted very special parents. And it
works because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, Barbara and I say thank you and
God bless you.
And now, Barbara I understand we're going to invite this
whole gang into the State Dining Room for cookies and lemonade. So
why don't we go on in there -- and thank you all for coming to the
White House. Glad to have you. (Applause.)
END
2:49 P.M. EST
Document No. 106061
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/23
01/19/90
10:00 a.m. Thuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
SUBJECT:
(01/19 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
У
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER N/C
DARMAN
ROGICH
P
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
9
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
WINSTON
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 1/23, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
1990 JAN 19 PM 5: 11
Draft three
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
...
to love you.
when
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are and
they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've got
some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love to
give youx and they feel the warm th and you of gour love in ne term
But not all children in America are as fortunate lucky as you.
still need
Sadly, there are thousands of children in our country who don't
have a home or a family to care about them. This year, an
estimated 30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their
Christmas holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these
Fortunately,
kids -- about 60 percent -- are special needs children. But
these children do have many friends -- people who have spent their
2
lives helping children just like you find families of their own.
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? Or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're going to use
their talents to help bring children and families together.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
does have
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really has a daughter named Wendy --
and he's going to help us put loving parents together with
special needs children in communities across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about a man I just spoke with
[Tory [TOSY-ENBIACK BIACK]
personally, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is
a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he
deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he has
3
adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You know,
single people and older Americans can be great adoptive parents,
and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids will
probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time. And I
don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I heard
these
his hair started going gray the minute he got all the kids. But
Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He proves that
love is something you do every day. Love is something that takes
hard work and commitment, because he had to fight to get every
one of those children. Taurean asked me to do a headcount and
make sure nobody got left behind in the Green Room. Are all ten
of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
say so myself -- he's special, too. And so is his sister
really something
4
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. It works for
a
and loving a
the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising good
children. And it works for America by building solid families --
the backbone of a strong and prosperous Nation. See the sign
behind me? "Adoption Works -- for Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
lemonade
###
coakies
THE WHITE HOUSE
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
WASHINGTON
1990 JAN 23 PM 6
January 23, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
coupla OK cheys Hny
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
ADOPTION EVENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
I. SUMMARY
On Friday, January 26, you and Mrs. Bush will meet with
approximately 100 special needs adopted children in the East
Room, and join them for cookies and lemonade afterward in the
State Dining Room. You will deliver brief remarks from cards.
II. DISCUSSION
Prior to your remarks, you will tentatively meet in the
Green Room with Dave Thomas of Wendy's; representatives of NBC
and Hanna Barberra; and actor Taurean Blacque (formerly of "Hill
Street Blues, now with "Generations,") and his ten adopted
children, many of whom are special needs kids. While you are in
the Green Room, the rest of the children will be entertained by a
magician and a clown.
Special needs children are those which require special
circumstances for placement -- because of disabilites, minority
status, or age; or because they want to be placed as a group with
their siblings. The purpose of the event is publicize the
availability of special needs children who are waiting for loving
homes.
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
Draft four
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
now - 12
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
^
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are
when they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've
got some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love
to give you and they feel the warmth and joy of your love in
return.
But not all children in America are as lucky as you. Sadly,
there are thousands of children in our country who still need a
home and a family to care about them. This year, an estimated
30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their Christmas
holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these kids --
about 60 percent -- are special needs children. To help find
2
families for these kids, this Administration has sent to Congress
the Special Needs Adoption Assistance Act to help individuals
meet the financial commitment involved in adopting special needs
children. We've also taken steps to encourage federal employees
wanting to give loving homes to these children, who often wait
for years to be adopted.
Fortunately, these children are not alone. They have many
friends -- people who have spent their lives helping children
just like you find families of their own. Let me tell you about
some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
Vhelping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're creating a new
character who will encourage families to adopt children.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
3
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really does have a daughter named
Wendy -- and he's going to make information available to help put
loving parents together with special needs children in Wendy's
all across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about another man whom I just
met, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque [TORY-en
Black] is a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But
he deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he
has adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You
know, single people and older Americans can be great adoptive
parents, and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids
will probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time.
And I don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I
heard his hair started going gray the minute he got all these
kids. But Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He
proves that love is something you do every day. Love is
something that takes hard work and commitment, because he had to
fight to get every one of those children. Taurean asked me to do
a headcount and make sure nobody got left behind in the Green
Room. Are all ten of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
4
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
)
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
own
waller
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
say so myself -- he's really something. And so is his sister
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. And it works
for the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising and
loving a child. See the sign behind me? "Adoption Works -- for
Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
[ And now, Barbara and I would like to invite everyone to the
State Dining Room for cookies and lemonade. ]
###
JAN-25-90 THU 20:04 IMMED. OFFICE ASHDS
P.02
HUMAN
RAVICES
Office of
"gree
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Human Development Services
of
STATEMENTO
January 25, 1990
Assistant Secretary
Washington DC 20201
MEMO TO:
JEANIE NAPPO
FROM:
MARY SHEILA GALL
SUBJECT:
Child to Introduce President Bush
We have identified two children, either one of whom will introduce
the President tomorrow. These children are the adopted sons of
Taurean Blacque. Both children spent most of their lives in foster
care before being adopted. They are both charming and have very
outgoing personalities. Their names are Richard (age 12) and
Samuel "Sammy" (age 11). I am attaching a copy of an article about
Taurean and his family that contains a picture of Sammy and Richard
with the other children and their father.
If for any reason, these children become ill or in any way unable
to introduce the President, we have other children standing by.
I do not anticipate any problem and expect this to run quite
smoothly.
If you any further information, please give me a call in the
morning.
Reprinted with permission by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Human Development Services from
PEOPLE WEEKLY. October 9, 1989, Vol. 32, No. 15. Copyrighted © The Time Inc. Magazine Company. All rights reserved.
Heading for o dozen: Blacque with, from left, Jennifer, Sammy, Paul, Marc, Marshall, Chris, Whitley, Richard. (Randy isn't pictured.)
TUBE
WITH TWO HOUSES AND A BIG HEART,
GENERATIONS STAR TAUREAN BLACQUE
BECOMES A SINGLE FATHER TO NINE
n 1986 Taurean Blacque was co-starring
my grown kids," remembers Blacque.
condition that he be allowed to adopt one
in Hill Street Blues the played gritty,
now 49 and starring as patriarch Henry
of those children himself. "I don't want to
streetwise detective Neal Washington),
Marshall on the new NBC soap Genera-
be telling other people what to do if I
raking in the profits from a host of invest.
tions. "I had to give something back, to
don't know anything about it myself."
ments and living in a spacious home with
share something."
said Blacque.
a half-dozen classic cars spilling out of the
So when Wini Jackson, a Los Angeles
Three years and nine children later, he
driveway.
County community affairs officer. asked
knows more than he ever expected.
Still, the onetime mail carrier couldn't
him to lead a campaign aimed at encour-
First to arrive at the actor's Baldwin
help feeling that something was missing.
aging black families to adopt hard-to-
Hills home were twins Paul and Christo-
"My life was all about me, my work and
place children, Blacque agreed--on the
pher. now 6. who were in danger of being
Photographs by Tony Costa/Outline Press
OFFICE
P.04
TUBE
split up because families wanted to adopt
only the lighter-skinned child. Then came
Marc, 2. and his sister Jennifer, 3, whose
mother was a drug addict serving time.
Then Whitley, almost 2, born to a single
mother who couldn't keep her; Marshall,
9 months. another child born to Marc and
Jennifer's mother; Richard, 11, and Sam-
my, 10. who had spent nearly their entire
lives in foster homes; and Randy, 5, who
arrived in August.
"Taurean scares us sometimes," jokes
Zena Oglesby, executive director of the
Institute for Black Parenting, a private or-
ganization that encourages adoption in
black families. "He'd try to adopt all of
North America."
Blacque explains it by saying he sim-
ply loves children. After his marriage
broke up 23 years ago, he remained ac-
tive in the rearing of sons Rodney, now
26, and Shelby, 27, eventually bringing
the boys to live with him when they
turned 13. Deeply religious and active in
the West Angeles Church of God in
Christ, Blacque also felt compelled to
"My buttons pop off my shirt when I
Blacque catches up with biological sons
help those kids less fortunate than his
watch them,' says Blacque, teaching
Shelby and Rodney by shooting hoops
own. "They have no families and no one
Jennifer to swim in the backyard pool.
at a neighborhood recreation center.
to really care about them," he says.
"And that's when the gangs come along
and say, 'We're your family.'
Initially, Blacque found social workers
reluctant to let a single man adopt chil-
dren. but the Newark-born actor refused
to give up. "One good parent is better
than no parents," he protested.
Now nobody's arguing. Caseworkers
say the youtigsters have a new sense of se-
curity and a better attitude since they've
moved in with Blacque. "It's been a com-
plete turnaround," says Jackson. Rich-
ard, the oldest child in the Blacque brood,
says it with more feeling: "It's like I've
been born all over again."
Blacque's efforts have been recognized
by L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley, and since
the actor became involved, adoptions at
the Institute for Black Parenting have in-
creased significantly. In the past nine
months alone, the institute has signed up
140 adoptive families-making it one of
the most successful agencies in Southern
California.
Of course, a houseful of kids has forced
Blacque to make some changes in his life-
style. With the arrival of Mare and Jenni-
fer last year, Blacque hired a live-in
nanny-housekeeper to help him keep or-
der and to care for the children while he's
at work. And finding a nanny willing and
JAN-25-90 THU 20:07 IMMED. OFFICE ASHDS
TUBE
owns a condominium-three minutes
ing of marrying-grew rockier with each
down the hill from the houses-where he
new addition. "I guess she couldn't deal
can escape to study his soap opera scripts.
with it," Blacque says of the shattered ro-
able to take care of nine kids wasn't easy.
Even that becomes a family affair.
mance. Now. although he dates occasion-
"Either the women didn't like to work for
though. when Richard reads the part of
ally, Blacque says finding a wife is not a
so many kids. or the kids didn't like
Blacque's vengeful Generations business
top priority. "That will come when it's
them," Blacque says. Then along came
right." he says, "The bells will go ding-
Daisy Morataya, 28, who had been work-
dong. and the kids will love her."
ing for a friend of Blacque's and was al-
Finding a nanny wasn't easy.
They could also use the extra hand; the
ready acquainted with the actor's grow-
"Either the women didn't
division of labor around the Blacque
ing family. "She won't even take a day
camp only goes so far. Morataya does the
off." says Blacque. "She keeps coming
back to check on the kids and bring them
like to work for so many kids,
cooking. cleaning and washing. The older
boys make their own beds, help with the
new clothes."
or the kids didn't like
dishes, take out the trash and walk and
Thanks to the regimen of daytime tele-
them," Blacque says.
feed the dogs. Blacque drives the kids to
vision, Blacque is able to work a fairly
and from school. cleans the second house
regular schedule that allows him plenty of
and does all the shopping-including
time at home. Last February he moved
midnight forays to all-night supermarkets
into the six-bedroom. four-bathroom
partner. And when acting assignments do
for Pampers in three sizes.
house next door to accommodate his ex-
call him out of town, Blacque makes it a
And he isn't yet ready to say he has
panding family. (He has a bedroom in the
point to phone home every night and talk
reached his limit. "God will tell me when
second house, while nanny Daisy sleeps
to each child individually.
to stop." says Blacque. "He'll say, "Son,
in the first house with the babies. The old-
Some of the biggest changes. however,
your family is complete now.' Some-
er boys have bunk beds in both houses
have been in his social life. A relationship
body say amen.
-Cynthia Sanz,
and alternate between them.) He also
with a woman he was dating-and think-
Lois Armstrong in Los Angeles
Nanny Daisy Morataya lends Marc support as Blacque grabs his bottle to start a game of peekaboo. Whitley sleeps through it all.
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1969 0-343-112
JAN-26-90 FRI 10:23 IMMED. OFFICE ASHDS
P.02
MY NAME IS RICHARD BLACQUE
.
I'M
YEARS OLD, AND I ADOPTED MY DAD
YEARS AGO.
I REALLY LOVE MY DAD AND I'M VERY GLAD THE PRESIDENT AND MRS. BUSH
ARE HELPING MORE CHILDREN LIKE ME FIND PARENTS TO LOVE.
THAT'S WHY IT'S SUCH A GREAT HONOR FOR ME TO INTRODUCE TO YOU, BOYS
AND GIRLS, MOMS AND DADS -- THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
Richard while Bushes
offstage sit down
POTUS
Securery Sullivan acknowledge
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 23, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
ADOPTION EVENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
I. SUMMARY
On Friday, January 26, you and Mrs. Bush will meet with
approximately 100 special needs adopted children in the East
Room, and join them for cookies and lemonade afterward in the
State Dining Room. You will deliver brief remarks from cards.
II. DISCUSSION
Prior to your remarks, you will tentatively meet in the
Green Room with Dave Thomas of Wendy's; representatives of NBC
and Hanna Barberra; and actor Taurean Blacque (formerly of "Hill
Street Blues," now with "Generations," and his ten adopted
children, many of whom are special needs kids. While you are in
the Green Room, the rest of the children will be entertained by a
magician and a clown.
Special needs children are those which require special
circumstances for placement -- because of disabilites, minority
status, or age; or because they want to be placed as a group with
their siblings. The purpose of the event is publicize the
availability of special needs children who are waiting for loving
homes.
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
Draft four
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
...
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are
when they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've
got some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love
to give you and they feel the warmth and joy of your love in
return.
But not all children in America are as lucky as you. Sadly,
there are thousands of children in our country who still need a
home and a family to care about them. This year, an estimated
30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their Christmas
holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these kids --
about 60 percent -- are special needs children. Fortunately,
2
these children do have many friends -- people who have spent
their lives helping children just like you find families of their
own. Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're creating a new
character who will encourage families to adopt children.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really does have a daughter named
Wendy -- and he's going to make information available to help put
loving parents together with special needs children in Wendy's
all across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about another man whom I just
met, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque [TORY-en
3
Black] is a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But
he deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he
has adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You
know, single people and older Americans can be great adoptive
parents, and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids
will probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time.
And I don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I
heard his hair started going gray the minute he got all these
kids. But Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He
proves that love is something you do every day. Love is
something that takes hard work and commitment, because he had to
fight to get every one of those children. Taurean asked me to do
a headcount and make sure nobody got left behind in the Green
Room. Are all ten of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
4
say so myself -- he's really something. And so is his sister
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. And it works
for the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising and
loving a child. See the sign behind me? "Adoption Works -- for
Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
[ And now, Barbara and I would like to invite everyone to the
State Dining Room for cookies and lemonade. ]
###
Document No. 106061
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 01/24/90
----
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
SUBJECT:
(01/19 draft four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
WINSTON
FITZWATER
PORTER ROSE
Q
GRAY
FIRESTONE
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
27 :9d 03024 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1999 JAN 23 PM6
January 23, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
MARY KATE GRANT mkg
SUBJECT:
ADOPTION EVENT WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
I. SUMMARY
On Friday, January 26, you and Mrs. Bush will meet with
approximately 100 special needs adopted children in the East
Room, and join them for cookies and lemonade afterward in the
State Dining Room. You will deliver brief remarks from cards.
II. DISCUSSION
Prior to your remarks, you will tentatively meet in the
Green Room with Dave Thomas of Wendy's; representatives of NBC
and Hanna Barberra; and actor Taurean Blacque (formerly of "Hill
Street Blues, now with "Generations,") and his ten adopted
children, many of whom are special needs kids. While you are in
the Green Room, the rest of the children will be entertained by a
magician and a clown.
Special needs children are those which require special
circumstances for placement -- because of disabilites, minority
status, or age; or because they want to be placed as a group with
their siblings. The purpose of the event is publicize the
availability of special needs children who are waiting for loving
homes.
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
Draft four
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
...
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are
when they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've
got some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love
to give you and they feel the warmth and joy of your love in
return.
But not all children in America are as lucky as you. Sadly,
there are thousands of children in our country who still need a
home and a family to care about them. This year, an estimated
30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their Christmas
holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these kids --
about 60 percent -- are special needs children. To help find
2
families for these kids, this Administration has sent to Congress
the Special Needs Adoption Assistance Act to help individuals
meet the financial commitment involved in adopting special needs
children. We've also taken steps to encourage federal employees
wanting to give loving homes to these children, who often wait
for years to be adopted.
Fortunately, these children are not alone. They have many
friends -- people who have spent their lives helping children
just like you find families of their own. Let me tell you about
some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're creating a new
character who will encourage families to adopt children.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
3
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really does have a daughter named
Wendy -- and he's going to make information available to help put
loving parents together with special needs children in Wendy's
all across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about another man whom I just
met, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque [TORY-en
Black] is a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But
he deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he
has adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You
know, single people and older Americans can be great adoptive
parents, and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids
will probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time.
And I don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I
heard his hair started going gray the minute he got all these
kids. But Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He
proves that love is something you do every day. Love is
something that takes hard work and commitment, because he had to
fight to get every one of those children. Taurean asked me to do
a headcount and make sure nobody got left behind in the Green
Room. Are all ten of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
4
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
say so myself -- he's really something. And so is his sister
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. And it works
for the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising and
loving a child. See the sign behind me? "Adoption Works -- for
Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
[ And now, Barbara and I would like to invite everyone to the
State Dining Room for cookies and lemonade. ]
###
Document No. 106061
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/23
01/19/90
10:00 a.m. Thuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
SUBJECT:
(01/19 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
PORTER ROSE
DEMAREST
FIRESTONE
X
FITZWATER
GRAY
WINSTON
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 1/23, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
comment RESPONSE: from Justine D'Andrea: There's no mention
of the the adoption summer. package Also the there's President no mention announ at ced the
end over that the President' invites the kids James to W. Cicconi the
Share Dining 212 Rooras for Lemonade
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
and cookies.
Also, See page 2.
L 20456621818
2024562397
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-23-90 :11:09AM ;
2
lives helping children just like you find families of their own.
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? Or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra dreated those cartoons. And now they're going to use
their talents to help bring children and families together.
Need to explainwhat the corporations
are families doing to help link up kids my adoption
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really has a daughter named Wendy --
and he's going to help us put loving parents together with
special needs children in communities across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about a man I just spoke with
personally, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is
a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he
deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he has
Z 20456621818
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-23-90 11:10AM ;
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
Draft three
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are and
they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've got
some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love to
give you and they feel the warmth and joy of your love in return
But not all children in America are as fortunate as you.
Sadly, there are thousands of children in our country who don't
have a home or a family to care about them. This year, an
estimated 30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their
Christmas holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these
kids -- about 60 percent -- are special needs children.
FORTUNATELY,
But
these children [do] have many friends -- people who have spent their
2
lives helping children just like you find families of their own.
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're going to use
their talents to help bring children and families together.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America --- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really has a daughter named Wendy --
and he's going to help us put loving parents together with
special needs children in communities across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about a man I just spoke with
CTAUR-É- AN BLACK]
personally, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is
a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he
deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he has
TORY-EN BLACK
to
Pink's \ comment over
single geople
adopt
targer to draw in face from of specialids needs skyrochering
is
pool
3
of
role model
re:
adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You know,
is
HHS
single people and older Americans can be great adoptive parents,
and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids will
probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time. And I
don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I heard
his hair started going gray the minute he got all the kids. // But
X
Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He proves that
love is something you do every day. Love is something that takes
hard work and commitment, because he had to fight to get every
V
one of those children. Taurean asked me to do a headcount and
re:me" "foster
make sure nobody got left behind in the Green Room. Are all ten
of you here? You've got a very special dad.
HHS said few
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
only a and
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
be
there, will and trying
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
we're encourage
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
to to
But the most important people in this room are you children.
these parents not
You're the reason all of us came together today (Wewant To tell you how
adopt,
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
remain
3
V
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
NA foster
say
so
myself
--
he's
special
implies too. And special so is his needs. sister Irecommend, "he's
as No! feisty as his grandfather. // yes, he's very special,
E--he's guite a boy why, his already just really something
and so is his older sister Marshall, who is also adopted
4
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. It works for
the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising good
children. And it works for America by building solid families --
the backbone of a strong and prosperous Nation. See the sign
behind me? "Adoption Works -- for Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
###
Document No. 10606
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/23
01/19/90
DATE:
10:00 a.m. Thuesday
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
SUBJECT:
(01/19 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
)
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
P
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
>
ROGERS
1
CICCONI
PINKERTON
\
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
8
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
WINSTON
\
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 1/23, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
comments
89 DEC 22 P6: 50
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
1990 JAN 19 PM 5: 11
Draft three
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
...
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are and
they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've got
some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love to
give you.
But not all children in America are as fortunate as
sheed
Sadly, there are thousands of children in our country who don't
have a home or a family to care about them. This year, an
estimated 30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their
Christmas holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these
kids -- about 60 percent -- are special needs children. But
these children have many friends -- people who have spent their
2
lives helping children just like you find families of their own.
of
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
none
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
drown
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
What one
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're going to use
the
their talents to help bring children and families together.
Hannei
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really has a daughter named Wendy --
and he's going to help us put loving parents together with
special needs children in communities across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about a man I just spoke with
personally, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is
a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he
deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he has
3
adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You know,
single people and older Americans can be great adoptive parents,
and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids will
probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time. And I
don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I heard
his hair started going gray the minute he got all the kids. But
Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He proves that
love is something you do every day. Love is something that takes
hard work and commitment, because he had to fight to get every
one of those children. Taurean asked me to do a headcount and
make sure nobody got left behind in the Green Room. Are all ten
of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
say so myself -- he's special, too. And so is his sister
4
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. It works for
the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising good
children. And it works for America by building solid families --
the backbone of a strong and prosperous Nation. See the sign
behind me? "Adoption Works -- for Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
###
makes A sound like
low or inflation a story defense
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 22, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
JIM PINKERTON B
SUBJECT:
Special Needs Adopted Children
One comment:
pg. 3, para. 1, line 1 "You know, single people and older
Americans can be great adoptive parents, and Taurean's not
married."
While I personally think that Taurean Blacque's example is
terrific, this point about single people and adoption will prove
controversial in some quarters.
###
EE : Olv
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Document No. 106061
1/23
01/19/90
10:00 a.m. Thuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
SUBJECT:
(01/19 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
FIRESTONE
GRAY
WINSTON
\
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 1/23, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
OK 1-20. S.R.
si:za 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
1990 JAN 19 PM 5: 11
Draft three
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
...
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are and
they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've got
some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love to
give you.
But not all children in America are as fortunate as you.
Sadly, there are thousands of children in our country who don't
have a home or a family to care about them. This year, an
estimated 30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their
Christmas holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these
kids -- about 60 percent -- are special needs children. But
these children have many friends -- people who have spent their
2
lives helping children just like you find families of their own.
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're going to use
their talents to help bring children and families together.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really has a daughter named Wendy --
and he's going to help us put loving parents together with
special needs children in communities across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about a man I just spoke with
personally, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is
a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he
deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he has
3
adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You know,
single people and older Americans can be great adoptive parents,
and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids will
probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time. And I
don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I heard
his hair started going gray the minute he got all the kids. But
Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He proves that
love is something you do every day. Love is something that takes
hard work and commitment, because he had to fight to get every
one of those children. Taurean asked me to do a headcount and
make sure nobody got left behind in the Green Room. Are all ten
of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
say so myself -- he's special, too. And so is his sister
4
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. It works for
the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising good
children. And it works for America by building solid families --
the backbone of a strong and prosperous Nation. See the sign
behind me? "Adoption Works -- for Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
# # #
Document No. 106061
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/23
01/19/90
10:00 a.m. Thuesday
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
SUBJECT:
(01/19 draft three)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
P
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
d
CICCONI
PINKERTON
\
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
9
FIRESTONE
FITZWATER
GRAY
WINSTON
\
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 1/23, with a copy to my office.
Thanks.
RESPONSE:
N/C 1/23/90
6E : Olv
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 22, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS.
FROM:
JAY S. BYBEE 1st
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Special Needs Adopted
Children
Counsel's office has reviewed the above-referenced matter. We
have no legal objections.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter.
CC: James W. Cicconi
85 :6v
Grant/Nappo
January 19, 1990
Draft three
A:special
BRIEF REMARKS: SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTED CHILDREN
THE EAST ROOM
JANUARY 26, 1990
Good afternoon. I'm glad all of you could join me here in
the White House. You know, this time last year, when Barbara and
I became the official caretakers of the White House for four
years, the first thing we did was invite all our children and
grandchildren to spend our first night here "together" as a
family.
My family is very, very important to me and I feel lucky to
have been blessed with a wonderful wife and children, and, of
course, my grandchildren. But all of you here today are just as
lucky because now you, too, are part of a family of your own --
to grow with you, share with you and most of all
...
to love you.
Each of your moms and dads knew just how special you are and
they picked you out to go home with them. And now you've got
some of the greatest parents around. They have so much love to
give you.
But not all children in America are as fortunate as you.
Sadly, there are thousands of children in our country who don't
have a home or a family to care about them. This year, an
estimated 30,000 children, available for adoption, spent their
Christmas holidays waiting for a permanent home. Most of these
kids --- about 60 percent -- are special needs children. But
these children have many friends -- people who have spent their
2
lives helping children just like you find families of their own.
Let me tell you about some of them here with us today.
First, there are corporate leaders who have committed to
helping children like you find loving homes. For example, how
many of you watch cartoons? Do you know the Jetsons? or the
Flintstones? Or Yogi Bear? Well, the people who work at Hanna
Barberra created those cartoons. And now they're going to use
their talents to help bring children and families together.
And some of you may be aware of a TV program in which
children who want to be adopted go on television in cities across
America -- it's called "Wednesday's Child." And it's very
successful. Almost three-quarters of all the kids who appear on
this show find families. And so NBC network is going to work
with us to get more kids on TV and more stations to show
"Wednesday's Child" so more families will see these children.
There's a man here today who is very committed to helping
other children just like you. His name is Dave Thomas, and he
was an adopted child. He grew up to be a successful businessman
with a family of his own. Now he's the head of Wendy's
Hamburgers -- by the way, he really has a daughter named Wendy --
and he's going to help us put loving parents together with
special needs children in communities across the country.
And now I'd like to tell you about a man I just spoke with
personally, and what an inspiring man he is. Taurean Blacque is
a noted actor with an impressive list of credits. But he
deserves even more credit for what he does in real life: he has
3
adopted ten special needs children -- ten children. You know,
single people and older Americans can be great adoptive parents,
and Taurean's not married. He says that having ten kids will
probably keep him too busy to get married for a long time. And I
don't know if he qualifies as an older American yet, but I heard
his hair started going gray the minute he got all the kids. But
Taurean says he wouldn't change it for the world. He proves that
love is something you do every day. Love is something that takes
hard work and commitment, because he had to fight to get every
one of those children. Taurean asked me to do a headcount and
make sure nobody got left behind in the Green Room. Are all ten
of you here? You've got a very special dad.
People like Taurean who open not just their homes but their
hearts are amazing people. And I know that we have a number of
adoptive parents among us today as well. You are a breed apart,
because while so many people shout about how to make the world a
better place, you quietly lead by example, changing the world in
a special way, one child at a time. Truly, yours is a gift of
limitless love.
But the most important people in this room are you children.
You're the reason all of us came together today. To tell you how
special you are to us, and how glad we are that you are in the
family. You know, my son Marvin and his wife Margaret just
adopted their second child, my grandson, Charles. And if I do
say so myself -- he's special, too. And so is his sister
4
Marshall, who is also adopted. They're an important part of our
family, and we love them very much.
Through my wonderful experiences with adoption in the Bush
family, I've learned this: Adoption is good for America. It
works for the children who need a loving home. It works for the
birth parents who want the best for their children. It works for
the adoptive parents by giving them the joy of raising good
children. And it works for America by building solid families --
the backbone of a strong and prosperous Nation. See the sign
behind me? "Adoption Works -- for Everyone." It's true.
Adoption works because each one of you is so special. It
works because you adopted very special parents. And it works
because everyone in this room loves you very much.
From my family to yours, thank you and God bless you.
God bless America.
###
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / Sept. 13
der of the term expiring April 27, 1991. She
And those who adopt are giving far more
n San Diego,
would succeed Robert E. Rader, Jr.
than they receive. And Barbara and I know
Since 1988 Dr. Montoya has served as an
that because we are blessed by one adopted
U.S. Navy Re-
associate professor of finance for the School
grandchild. Few realize that Congress of
-1965. He was
of Business Administration at California
the United States is a great source of en-
oston, MA. He
State Polytechnic University in Pomona,
couragement to the adoption movement.
and one step-
CA. Prior to this, she served as president of
More than 50 Members of the Congress are
on, DC.
the Hispanic American Public Policy Insti-
members of this adoption coalition, an in-
tute, 1984; an adjunct professor at the Pep-
formal group dedicated to encourage adop-
perdine University School of Business and
tion. And their leaders-several of them
Management, 1987-1988; director of studies
couldn't be with us-but most here with us
Glade To Be
in public policy and associate professor of
today, many of whom are adoptive parents.
e United
political economy at Chapman College,
I know Senator Bentsen, who couldn't be
School of Business and Management, 1985-
with us, is one of those. Senator Humphrey
1987; and an expert economist for the
is also the proud father of two adopted chil-
Office of Regulatory Analysis, Occupational
dren.
ced his inten-
Safety and Health Administration at the
And we don't merely want to pay tribute
Glade to be an
Department of Labor, 1983-1985. In addi-
to those already part of the adoption move-
tion, she has served as the Assistant Direc-
S. Information
ment. We are here to take action to encour-
tor for Strategy for the White House Office
Cultural Af-
age more Americans to adopt and to adopt
N. Blitz.
of Policy Development in the Executive
children with physical, mental, and emo-
Office of the President, 1982-1983; and as a
rved as a pro-
tional disabilities. Right now, more than
staff economist for the RAND Corp. in
University of
30,000 American children are legally avail-
Santa Monica, CA, 1973-1982.
he served in
able for adoption, and many of these are
Dr. Montoya graduated from St. Hugh's
versity of Wis-
children with special needs. And some are
College, Oxford University Occidental Col-
nd economics,
physically or emotionally handicapped,
lege (B.A., 1959), Fletcher School of Law
of commerce
some are members of sibling groups that
and Diplomacy (M.A., 1960), Stanford Uni-
sociate profes-
need to be placed in the same home, and
versity (M.A., 1966), and the University of
banic studies,
some are minority children.
California at Los Angeles (Ph.D., 1977). She
essor of com-
And today we're sending to the Congress
1960-1963. In
was born April 9, 1938, in Los Angeles, CA.
two legislative proposals to encourage adop-
She is married, has one child, and resides in
assistant pro-
tion. The Members of Congress who are
Los Angeles, CA.
University of
with us today have agreed to sponsor the
eaching fellow
legislation and to seek their swift approval
sity of Texas,
in the Congress of the United States. The
legislation is simple. The first bill will pro-
he University
Remarks Announcing the Special Needs
vide a $3,000 tax deduction to families for
1951; Ph.D.,
Adoption Legislative Proposals
certain nonrecurring costs associated with
929, in Wich-
September 13, 1989
the adoption of a special needs child. And
has four chil-
the second bill will create a 4-year demon-
First, welcome to the White House. And
stration program for Federal employees.
I'm especially pleased to have these distin-
Federal civilian employees who adopt a
guished and very interested Members of
special needs child will be reimbursed up to
both bodies, Senate and the House, with us
$2,000 for nonrecurring expenses.
today, so many noble leaders in our effort
And I hope that this program, demonstra-
oya To Be a
to encourage adoption. And they're leaders
tion program, will serve as a model for the
al Safety
not because they tell others what needs to
private sector to offer-for their employers
ssion
be done but because they themselves pro-
to offer similar benefits to their employees.
vide homes for orphans. And as I look about
I'm happy to be able to say that many com-
the room, I see and pay tribute to Reverend
panies are involved, many have done this
ced his inten-
Clemens, Susan Freivalds, Jane Edwards,
already. These two bills are important steps
toya to be a
and others who are good Samaritans in the
in the effort to encourage adoption in
1 Safety and
adoption movement.
America. And believe me, this is not the
r the remain-
1363
Sept. 13 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
last you will hear from our administration
of minority groups, are also considered
about adoption.
special needs children.
I've directed the Cabinet to make adop-
Right now, over 30,000 American chil-
tion a high priority and instructed my Do-
dren are legally available for adoption.
mestic Policy Council to develop the adop-
Many of these are children with special
tion initiatives that we're announcing here
needs.
today. And I've also directed all Federal
agencies to develop plans for supporting
The Special Needs Adoption Assistance Act
and promoting adoption, including provid-
of 1989
ing the maximum flexibility to allow leave
An individual would be permitted to
for employees who want to adopt. And we
deduct up to $3,000 from income those ex-
will continue to promote adoption in the
penses incurred in the adoption of a special
future.
needs child.
These two proposals-legislative propos-
Eligible expenses would be limited to
als-will make a contribution toward solv-
those directly associated with the adoption
ing one of America's most difficult and sad-
process, such as court costs, legal expenses,
dest problems: the children with special
social service review, and transportation
needs who have no loving family of their
costs required for the adoption for which
own.
the adopting parents are not otherwise re-
I want to thank you all very much for
imbursed.
coming down here. Let's get these bills en-
Federal Employees' Special Needs Adoption
acted into law. And thank you all for your
Expenses Reimbursement Act of 1989
leadership very, very much.
The Office of Personnel Management will
Note: The President spoke at 2:11 p.m. in
establish a 4-year demonstration program
the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In
under which Federal agencies will reim-
his remarks, he referred to Rev. George Cle-
burse their employees up to $2,000 for ex-
mens of One Church, One Child; Susan
penses incurred in the adoption of a special
Freivalds of Adoptive Families of America;
needs child.
and Jane Edwards of Spence Chapin Serv-
Reimbursement will be limited to $2,000
ice.
per adoption, or $5,000 per employee per
year in the case of an employee who adopts
more than two special needs children.
The demonstration program will take
effect on January 1, 1990, and will termi-
White House Fact Sheet on the
nate, unless extended by Congress, on De-
President's Special Needs Adoption
cember 31, 1993.
Legislative Proposals
OPM will submit a report to the Presi-
September 13, 1989
dent and Congress by October 1, 1992, on
the operation of the demonstration pro-
The administration is transmitting to
gram.
Congress today two bills targeted to the
adoption of special needs children. The
President recognizes the heightened emo-
tional and financial commitment required
of families adopting children with special
Appointment of David H. Sudderth, Jr.,
needs.
as a Member of the American Battle
Special needs children are generally
Monuments Commission
children who by virtue of special con-
September 13, 1989
ditions such as age, physical or mental
handicap, or a combination of circum-
The President today announced his inten-
stances, are difficult to place for adop-
tion to appoint Brig. Gen. David H. Sud-
tion. Children who are members of sib-
derth Jr., as a member of the American
ling groups that need to be placed in
Battle Monuments Commission. He would
the same home, or who are members
succeed William E. Hickey.
1364