Bass, Bacon, Langevin, Lawrence, and Mullin Introduce Resolution Designating May As National Foster Care Month

WASHINGTON - Co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth (CCFY) Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Rep. James Langevin (RI-02), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) introduced a resolution yesterday recognizing May as National Foster Care Month and encouraging Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children and youth in the foster care system.

National Foster Care Monthwas established more than 30 years to bring foster care issues to the forefront, highlight the importance of permanency for every child, and to recognize the key roles foster parents, social workers, and advocates have in the lives of children in foster care throughout the United States. Today, nearly a third of children in foster care are being raised by kin - many of whom are grandparents. In recognition of this, the theme of this year's national Foster Care Awareness Month is Relative and Kinship Connections: Keeping Families Strong. National Foster Care Monthrecognizes all of us can strengthen our communities to ensure youth in foster care have the support they need for the futures they deserve. During May, CCFY launched #BeyondResilient, a campaign that amplifies the way foster youth identify themselves as teachers, parents, advocates, and so much more. CCFY is looking forward to the annual Foster Youth Shadow Day on June 22, when foster youth delegates from across the country will come to Washington, D.C. to be paired with their home members of Congress to share their experiences in the nation's foster care system. The delegates will also have the opportunity to propose policies to impact legislation affecting the foster care system.

"National Foster Care Month celebrates when Democrat and Republican members throughout the country work together to lift up the over 400,000 young people who rely on our nation's foster care system," said Rep. Bass. "For National Foster Care Month, we come together to celebrate the resiliency of the youth who are in, or have been in, the foster care system. Throughout the year, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth is committed to amplifying their voices and raising awareness about their needs and the needs of the relatives and foster care families who love, care, and support them."

"Every child needs love, acceptance, and security and Foster Care Month is a reminder to the nation we are committed to our kids in care. As a foster to adopt parent, I understand the importance of working to make sure children can grow up in a home where they receive these necessities," said Rep. Bacon. "If we say a child has a better outcome in foster care than their home, we have to do a better job in Congress to keep our commitment to giving kids their best chance."

"Every child in America should have a safe home and a family who loves them. Unfortunately, far too many young people age out of the foster care system before they've found a forever family. This National Foster Care Month, we're joining advocates and members of the foster care community to raise awareness of the challenges these children face, and we're working to engage lawmakers at every level of government in the fight for our children," said Rep. Langevin.

"During National Foster Care Month, we are reminded of the important work we need to do to support our over 400,000 foster children," said Rep. Lawrence. "Congress has a responsibility to do everything we can to provide them, and the foster care families and organizations who help them, with the necessary resources to thrive. This month and every month, I'm grateful to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to lift up the needs and voices of our foster youth."

"As an adoptive parent of three, I am committed to ensuring every child has a safe, supportive, and forever family. There are over 400,000 children in the United States who need a loving home," said Rep. Mullin.These kids, and the families who foster them, need our help and support.During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the challenges these youth face and the importance of doing everything we can to set them up for success in the future."

The resolution is co-sponsored by Reps. Cynthia Axne (IA-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Emanual Cleaver II ((MO-05), Danny Davis (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Henry C. 'Hank' Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), and David Trone (MD-06).

A copy of the resolution can be found here.