LDS adoption official cited for service

Having worked in LDS Family Services for 30 years, the adoption process has become a big part of Fred Riley's professional life.

Now Riley is being honored for his efforts. The National Council for Adoption (NCFA) will induct Riley and two others into the Adoption Hall of Fame, adding them to a distinguished list of adoption advocates who have worked diligently to help children find loving, permanent families.

Riley, currently the project manager for the LDS Church's Humanitarian Services, has served as the commissioner of family services for 12 years and on the NCFA board for 12 years.

"A big part of the job was dealing with adoptions in the church. I have a real passion for children being raised in a safe, nurturing environment, as well as a strong belief that children have the right to be raised by a mother and a father," said Riley, a grandfather to three adopted children.

"The U.S. is really the last country that has a healthy adoption institution. In other countries so many anti-adoption laws have been passed that it is difficult to do. If it wasn't for NCFA, we might be in the same situation."

Riley is grateful to be recognized.

"It's really nice. Some folks have done some great things for children and parents. For me to have the opportunity to join this group is a nice thing for me. I appreciate it," Riley said.

Riley and others being honored will attend a NCFA gala in Washington D.C. on Thursday, Nov. 18,. The event will celebrate three decades of adoption advocacy.

NCFA was founded in 1980 as an adoption advocacy non profit. More information is available on our website, www.adoptioncouncil.org.