The 100,000 American children waiting to be adopted need our help now. There are many ways to get involved.

* Consider Adoption: It's a great way to create or add to your family and make a wonderful difference in a child's life - particularly a child with special needs who may have been waiting far too long for a loving family and a place to call home. To learn more about adopting a child with special needs, call National Adoption Center at 1-800-862-3678.

* Become a Foster Parent: Foster care provides a critical link in finding stable, healthy, and supportive family situations for children at risk. To learn how you can become a foster parent, contact your local child-welfare agency or children's services agency. (See the State Government listings in your telephone directory.)

* Volunteer for CASA: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a national organization of volunteers who act as advocates for waiting children, ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment and protecting their interests as the move through the foster-care system in search of permanent homes. To learn more, call 1-800-628-3233.

* Speak Out: Find out if your employer provides adoption benefits. If not, call the Adoption Center at 1-215-735-9988 for sample adoption benefits policies.

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