Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Formally Recognizing May As National Foster Care Month

Press Release

Today, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, Reps. Karen Bass (D-CA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize May 2021 as National Foster Care Month.

"National Foster Care Month is a month to recognize the successes and challenges of the more than 400,000 foster youth across the country and to acknowledge the tireless efforts of those who work to improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system every day," said Rep. Bass. "Making sure that all children have a permanent and loving home is not a Democratic or Republican issue--it should be an American priority. This May, we come together to celebrate the resiliency of the youth who are in, or have been in, the child welfare system and raise awareness about their needs, especially as many are facing new or exacerbated challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Every single one of the 400,000 kids living in foster care today deserves a loving, permanent home," said Rep. Langevin. "So many foster youth have endured unimaginable challenges and obstacles - and that was before they had to weather a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. This May, let us redouble our commitment towards ending their uncertainty and finding permanent homes for all foster youth."

"As an adoptive parent of three, I am committed to ensuring every child has a safe, supportive, and forever family," said Rep. Mullin. "There are more than 400,000 young people in the foster care system across the country and we must to make sure the system in place is effective and functions properly. During National Foster Youth 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."

"During National Foster Care Month, we acknowledge the more than 400,000 children and youth in foster care and show appreciation to the community that supports their well-being," said Rep. Lawrence. "We renew our commitment to helping each and every child find a safe, permanent, and loving home. I'm proud to join my Democratic and Republican Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth to introduce this resolution and continue working to better the lives of our children and youth in foster care."

"The success of our country's future depends upon the well-being of our kids today," said Rep. Bacon. "As a former foster parent, this is just one of the most bi-partisan issues I have the privilege of working on. Nothing is more important to me than helping a foster youth find their forever home and assisting them as they transition out of the system. Designating May as National Foster Care Month allows us to raise awareness, address foster care issues, and work across the aisle to find bipartisan solutions that help our foster youth succeed."

The resolution is supported by more than 30 members of the United States House of Representatives. Read the text of the full resolution here.