Associated Press - November 25, 2009 8:04 AM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter proclaimed November 2009 Adoption Awareness Month in Idaho, hoping to draw attention to the plight of hundreds of young children across the state seeking a permanent, stable home.

During a ceremony, Otter on Tuesday spoke of his family's personal experience with children without stable parents.

1 of 8 children, Otter says his father and mother took in 38 foster children in the 12 years after the last of his natural siblings left home.

He says, "Though it wasn't adoption, it was that transition period for many children that did end up getting permanency."

Candice Gilbert, who appeared with Otter, says her and her husband's decision to adopt a child has changed their lives.

Gilbert says, "Through the selfless sacrifice of our wonderful birth mother we were able to become parents."

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