National Adoption Awards

Breaking Barriers Adoption Award

(Formerly Adoptions Across Boundaries Award, is presented to a state, county, tribal child welfare agency, or dedicated individual that has made diligent efforts in overcoming barriers, which can include age, geographic, and/or special needs, to find permanent families for children waiting to be adopted.

Breaking Barriers Adoption Award

Presented to

Joe Haynes of Adoption Advocacy of South Carolina

In recognition of your diligent efforts in overcoming geographic barriers to improve and promote best practices

for permanency of children in foster care, by placing children safely across state and county lines.

Founded in 1999 by June Bond and Joe Haynes, Adoption Advocacy of South Carolina has placed 779 children from 24 different states with families in South Carolina. Their staff works tireless to prepare families, match them with children from around the country, and provide the ongoing support necessary to help the families thrive. Their grassroots network of families continues to grow, a further endorsement of the trust and respect families have for the agency and its staff. This award is in recognition of your hard work on behalf of adopted children and families.

Drenda Lakin Memorial Award

(Honors a state, nonprofit organization, or individual whose programs provide valuable adoptive family support after adoptions are finalized.)

Drenda Lakin Memorial Award

Presented to

Pamela L. Wolf of Harmony Family Center, Inc.

In recognition of your efforts to provide valuable adoptive family support services and
for continuing service to adoptive families.

Pam founded the Harmony Family Center in 1996 when she saw a need to open an infant adoption agency. The Harmony Family Center has grown from a small infant and international adoption agency to become a nationally known non-profit organization, and the only agency in the United States providing both statewide adoption preparation and post-adoption services in education, counseling, and support. Pam has become a leader in developing pre and post-adoption programs designed to protect our most vulnerable children. This award is in recognition of your efforts and leadership in supporting families after they have adopted.