WHEREAS, Children and youth in foster care are among the most vulnerable members of our communities, having experienced abuse, neglect, or other family challenges; and
WHEREAS, May is recognized as National Foster Care Month, a month set aside to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections; and
WHEREAS, Foster care provides a safe, temporary living arrangement for children whose families are unable to care for them, with the ultimate goal of achieving permanency through reunification, adoption, guardianship, or other stable living arrangements; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of children and youth across the United States are in foster care, relying on the support of foster parents, relative caregivers, social workers, educators, and community members; and
WHEREAS, Foster families, kinship caregivers, and adoptive parents play a critical role in providing stability, compassion, and guidance to children in care; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated professionals, including caseworkers, therapists, court personnel, and advocates, work tirelessly to ensure the safety, well-being, and permanency of children and youth in foster care; and
WHEREAS, Young people in foster care demonstrate resilience and strength despite facing significant challenges, and they deserve access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities for a successful transition to adulthood; and
WHEREAS, Increased awareness, community involvement, and support services are essential to improving outcomes for children and families impacted by the foster care system; and
WHEREAS, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of supporting children and youth in care, as well as those who serve them, and to encourage more individuals and families to consider becoming foster or adoptive parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors foster parents, kinship caregivers, adoptive families, and child welfare professionals for their commitment and recognizes May 2026 as National Foster Care Month and encourages all citizens to support efforts that improve the lives of children and youth in foster care.
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