National Foster Care Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as National Foster Care Month and to say thank you to every parent, volunteer, and mentor who work with our foster children.

I am a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and had a foster brother growing up, who is still part of my family.

During this month, we renew our commitment to ensure that every child has a safe and loving family.

I know firsthand how a supportive and loving home can make all the difference in a young person's life.

There are over 460,000 children and youth in foster care. These children and youth range from infants to 18 years old, when they age out.

Foster youth who transition out of the foster care system without a permanent home are at a higher risk of unemployment, poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness.

Every child deserves a safe, supportive, and permanent family. We have the responsibility to continue to create policies that will improve the outcomes of the overall well-being of foster youth and their families.

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