Foster Parent Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, children are Alaska's most precious resource, and every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable home where they can grow, learn, and play; and

WHEREAS, children in our communities who must be temporarily removed from their home to address their physical and emotional needs rely on others to provide a nurturing home; and

WHEREAS, foster parents, including family caregivers, face immense challenges as they selflessly care for and provide safe environments for vulnerable children; and

WHEREAS, foster parents often play a key role in aiding families with reunification, and they provide stable resources to help children and their families work through the hardships they may be experiencing; and

WHEREAS, Alaskans benefit from the unselfish dedication of those willing to become foster parents, and those individuals deserve our gratitude and respect for their incalculable and irreplaceable contributions to the well-being of Alaskan families; and

WHEREAS, Alaskans who are able and willing to open their homes to children in need are encouraged to learn about becoming a foster parent by calling (800) 478-7307 or by visiting the Alaska Office of Children's Services website at dfcs.alaska.gov/ocs/pages/fostercare; and

WHEREAS, we are grateful for the many Alaskan foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, child welfare professionals, and other community members throughout the State who open their hearts and homes to children and youth in foster care.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 2024 as:

Foster Parent Appreciation Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize and celebrate foster parents in their communities, and to consider participating in the programs that care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society when they need it most.

Dated: May 1, 2024