Court Adoption and Permanency Month.
The resolution underscores the ongoing challenge within California's child welfare system, which had over 53,000 children in care as of 2022. Notably, it highlights that the majority of these children are more successfully placed with relatives, which correlates with better long-term outcomes. The declaration serves to promote awareness and encourage actions that support family placements, aiming to reduce the trauma experienced by children removed from their homes.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 91, introduced by Ashby, declares November 2023 as Court Adoption and Permanency Month in California. This initiative, supported by the Judicial Council and various justice partners, aims to recognize and promote efforts towards improving outcomes for children and families involved in the child welfare system. The resolution emphasizes the importance of relative placements for children in foster care, advocating for practices that enhance their chances for stable and permanent placements.
Overall, the sentiment around SCR 91 is positive, reflecting a collective commitment to improve the welfare of children and families. The resolution's supporters, including lawmakers and advocacy organizations, view it as a necessary step to address the disparities faced by marginalized groups within the foster care system, particularly African American, Native American, and Latino children who disproportionately represent the population in care.
While the resolution itself does not present legislative mandates or direct funding, it emphasizes a need for the judiciary and social services to prioritize family-based placements. Stakeholders recognize that despite advancements, there remains a significant need for systemic improvements to ensure that all children have access to safe and nurturing environments, which can be subject to broader discussions about state funding, policy effectiveness, and systemic biases in the child welfare system.