Levin Honors Dearborn Man as an Angel in Adoption

WASHINGTON – Herbert Brail of Dearborn, the new president of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and an adoptive parent, has been a strong, passionate champion on behalf of children in need of a permanent, loving home for many years. For his outstanding advocacy of adoption issues, Mr. Brail has been nominated by Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., as an Angel in Adoption and will be honored along with more than 180 Angels at an awards ceremony and gala in Washington, DC, on Thursday, October 4, sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CACI).

An attorney for over 25 years, Herb Brail has been actively involved in formulating adoption laws in the State of Michigan. As president of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, Mr. Brail leads a national association of approximately 330 attorneys, judges and law professors who have distinguished themselves in the field of adoption law. Among his professional colleagues, Mr. Brail is considered as one of the best in the country in dealing with adoption issues, representing the interests of both birth parents and adoptive parents and has volunteered countless hours in his pursuit to improve the adoption process. Herb Brail and his wife Christine are adoptive parents and have two daughters.

“I’m proud to nominate Herb Brail as a 2007 Angel in Adoption,” Sen. Levin said. “Through his legal work and advocacy he has had a broad and positive impact on the lives of both adoptive families and birth parents across Michigan. This award recognizes his years of service on this issue and is just one measure of our appreciation.”

Sen. Levin is a founding member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, a bipartisan, bicameral caucus created in 1985, which in 2001 became the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. CACI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption. Currently, 213 Members of Congress have joined the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.

Four U.S. representatives from Michigan have also nominated constituents for an “Angel in Adoption” award. “I want to thank all of Michigan’s Angels in Adoption for their truly remarkable efforts to improve the lives of children.”

The other Michigan residents receiving an Angel in Adoption award include:

• Kent and Marilyn Fannin. Nominated by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton.
• Kim and Scott Hewitt. Nominated by Rep. Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland.
• Bruce Veltman. Nominated by Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland.
• Trisha and William “Dave” Watkins. Nominated by Rep. Vernon Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids.

The national Angel in Adoption awardees include:

• Patti LaBelle. Grammy award winning artist.
• Alonzo Mourning. Miami Heat and Founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities, Inc.
• Marcus Samuelsson. Critically acclaimed chef and author.

The 2007 Angel in Adoption award ceremony will be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.