Interview Raises Awareness and Increases Dialogue Surrounding Children in Crisis

Contact: Joe DiBenedetto, Lambert, Edwards & Associates, 616-233-0500, jdibenedetto@lambert-edwards.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 22, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (Minn.) recently joined Bill Blacquiere, president and CEO of Bethany Christian Services, for an interview on the "Every Child" podcast to discuss a variety of matters related to vulnerable children, including her commitment to foster care children and the Children in Families First (CHIFF) legislation. The podcast is available for download on iTunes and on the organization's website -- www.bethany.org.

Having fostered 23 children with her husband, Congresswoman Bachmann has demonstrated a passionate commitment to assisting vulnerable children in the U.S. and abroad. As co-chair for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes and to eliminating the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family, Bachmann has joined Senator Mary Landrieu (La.) in putting forth the CHIFF legislation to simplify and streamline the U.S. international adoption process.

Hosted by Blacquiere, "Every Child" features informative conversations with leading voices from ministries and non-profit organizations, as well as public officials, business leaders, authors and artists committed to assisting children in crisis. During her interview with Blacquiere, Bachmann went into great detail on the importance of passing CHIFF to enhance action on behalf of orphaned children around the world.

"I commend Representative Bachmann and Senator Landrieu for their efforts on behalf of vulnerable children across the globe," said Blacquiere. "While we continue to make strides in our efforts to improve social services in other countries so that children can remain with their biological families, we must also continue our progress in making adoption easier and more affordable for those couples who have room in their hearts and homes. Children in Families First is welcome legislation that we urge all in Congress to support."

The primary focus of "Every Child" is to increase dialogue on the global orphan epidemic and other social issues in order to draw attention, while sharing ideas on effectively addressing such subjects. Topics ranging from adoption and foster care to abortion and the introduction of sustainable social services in developing countries, are covered during interviews with key influencers and thought leaders.

For more information on Bethany Christian Services or to access the "Every Child" podcast, visit www.bethany.org.