Bethany Christian Services recognized as a faith-based agency.

USA (MNN)–November is National Adoption Month. Coinciding with the awareness campaigns, U-S Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson has recognized Bethany Christian Services for its work as a faith-based adoption service.

Bethany is one of 17 awarded agencies who have had a role in increasing the number of foster children placed in permanent homes.

“The people and organizations we honor today have shown selfless devotion to children and youth who need a permanent family,” Secretary Thompson said. “They don’t just talk about it; they do it. By taking personal action, they have enriched their own lives as well as the lives of many American children.”

Given annually since 1997, the awards honor states, local agencies, private organizations, courts, businesses, individuals and families for their accomplishments and efforts to increase the adoptions of foster children.

The awards grew out of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, which provided financial incentives for states to increase adoptions, made safety the paramount consideration for determining placement and mandated swifter time frames for permanent placement decisions.

Through its family services, Bethany shows the love and compassion of Christ to others.