DALLAS – Retired Buckner foster parent Barbara Houston was honored Oct. 7 as an “Angel in Adoption™” for her outstanding advocacy and service to children by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) in Washington, D.C., at an award ceremony and gala.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson selected the Dallas-area foster mom. "Ms. Barbara" retired in June after 21 years of foster parenting. She took in children who were considered the most demanding, behaviorally and emotionally. She also adopted one of her former foster children.

“Ms. Houston exemplifies what Buckner looks for in a foster parent,” said Albert Reyes, President and CEO of Buckner International. “She gave her life for these kids and there’s no doubt in my mind that every single one of them left her home a changed person. She’s been a mother to children who have been neglected, abused and abandoned; she’s been a mother to those who need her most. Buckner is blessed to call her part of our family.”

Houston was one of 145 Angels honored at the event.

Attendees (“Angels”) were invited on tours of the White House and the Capitol during their stay. They also attended a legislative training session and learned how to lobby Members of Congress on adoption and foster care related issues. The day before the Angels Gala, each Angel met personally with Members of Congress to tell their adoption and foster care stories and share ideas for improvements to the child welfare system.