White House Proclaims May National Foster Care Month
The White House this week designated May as National Foster Care Month.
“Families raise our children, pass down our values and hold communities together, forming the foundation of a strong country,” the proclamation said. “Yet far too often, for reasons beyond their control, children and young people find themselves in situations without an avenue for safe and loving care. These circumstances can be difficult for them, but it is the devoted foster parents across America who rise to the occasion with selfless compassion to ensure every child receives love, support and a sense of belonging.”
According to www.childwelfare.gov:
• More than 365,000 children and youth in foster care.
• Approximately 18,500 youth are emancipated from foster care without a permanent family.
• In 2021, 77 percent of eligible youth in foster care between the ages of 14 and 21 years left care without receiving the federally funded services necessary to prepare them for adulthood and independent living.
“The Children’s Bureau’s National Foster Care Month campaign recognizes the important role that people from all parts of child welfare play in supporting children, youth and families,” the website said. “This year’s theme highlights the need to create a child welfare system that authentically engages and supports young people who are preparing to leave foster care.”
President Trump added a personal note to the proclamation.
“The First Lady and I honor the individuals and families who make room in their hearts and homes for thousands of children and youth throughout the year,” he said. “Without a question, these dedicated men and women are unsung heroes in our local communities across the country for giving each child in their care as much normalcy as possible while also preparing them to be reunited with family or adopted.
“As a nation of enduring faith and strong, guiding principles, every child deserves the blessings of a firm foundation and endless opportunity. That is why I proudly signed into law the landmark Family First Prevention Services Act during my first term, which utilizes evidence-based intervention methods to keep families intact, whenever possible. Targeted, proactive services — including mental health support, substance abuse treatment, in home parental skills training, housing assistance and job training — focus on preventing the root causes of conflicts in the home.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice
Image: Adobe
