National Foster Care Month

Floor Speech

Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as National Foster Care Month. The goal of this special month is to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of more than 400,000 youth in the foster care system.

The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth asked young people around the country to tell us their experiences via our Web site, Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. Throughout the month, you will hear both Democrats and Republicans sharing these stories.

For example, Renee, a young woman from Los Angeles, was in foster care for over 8 years. She was placed in six different homes until she aged out of the system in June 2008. She currently attends UCLA and hopes to pursue a career in social work or community health.

Renee says:

Being in foster care has played an integral role in shaping and developing my character and the person I am today. My experience with the foster care system has exposed me to speaking up, communicating with adults, and being open with my peers about my situation, not ashamed of who I am.

In honor of Renee's courage and tenacity, I invite my colleagues to join the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and cosponsor the bipartisan resolution in recognition of National Foster Care Month and to wear the blue ribbon.

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