Vermonter Honored For Her ‘Matchmaking’
In Finding Adoptive Homes For Neglected Kids

WASHINGTON (Wed., Sept. 25) -- Carol MacDougall of Barre was hailed as an “Angel In Adoption” Tuesday night for her work in matching needy children with new adoptive parents in Chittenden County.

Sen. Patrick Leahy had nominated MacDougall for the award, which was presented to her at the Fourth Annual Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) “Angels in Adoption” Awards Banquet.  Leahy is a member of the coalition and a leader in Congress on adoption issues.  The Angels in Adoption Campaign was established by CCAI to raise awareness about adoption and to honor dedicated individuals throughout the nation for their efforts in helping needy children and families through adoption.

In nominating her, Leahy cited MacDougall’s outstanding service to Vermont children over the past 15 years as an adoption social worker at the state’s Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) office in Burlington.  She handles adoptions in Chittenden County, where the majority of Vermont’s 150 children who need adoption services reside.  Though so many of the children she serves are difficult to place due to abuse, neglect, special needs or large sibling groups, MacDougall pairs an average of 17 children each year with parents who want to adopt.   

“Carol is making a big difference, one child and one family at a time,” said Leahy.  “She connects children who desperately need a loving home with those who have loving homes to give.  Her caring and nurturing are in the finest Vermont tradition.”

In addition to the “angels” selected each year for their regional adoption efforts, “national angels” are chosen to recognize those who make a difference on the national scale.  This year’s recipients are the late Dave Thomas, former chairman of the Wendy’s fast food chain; Antwone Fisher, who wrote Finding Fish and who is the subject of the upcoming film that bears his name;  Hans van Loon, Secretary General of the Hague conference on Private International Law; and the Hallmark Channel for its program, “Adoption.” 

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(For more information on Angels In Adoption visit www.ccainstitute.org)