Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today announced he has chosen Nora and Randy Boesem of Newell, South Dakota as his nominees for recognition as “Angels in Adoption”. Johnson is a founding member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and chose the Boesems from nominees across South Dakota. 

Nora and Randy have nine adopted children, all of which are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Additionally, the Boesems have brought nearly 70 children into their home through foster care.

“Nora and Randy have opened their homes and hearts to improve the lives of many children in South Dakota, including those with special needs,” said Johnson, who plans to display a photo and information about the family in his Washington, DC office. “As the grandfather of two adopted children, I know firsthand how much enrichment adoption can bring a family. I am proud to nominate Nora and Randy as Angels in Adoption.”

A longtime supporter of adoption programs, Johnson has supported legislation making an adoption tax credit permanent. The credit would help lessen the financial burden families face when adopting a child. Adoption proceedings and legal fees for some domestic adoptions can cost more than $40,000.  

The “Angels in Adoption” program was established in 1999 by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to raise awareness about the importance of adoption.  For more information, visit http://www.angelsinadoption.org/.

In South Dakota, nearly 1,500 children are in the foster care system.  The average age of a child in foster care is nine years old.  At the same time, in South Dakota, approximately 75 children on average "age out" of the foster care system each year before they are adopted.

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