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Councilmember Zachary Parker Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 2
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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau 6
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Councilmember Vincent C. Gray Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. 10
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Councilmember Brooke Pinto Councilmember Christina Henderson 14
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Councilmember Anita Bonds 18
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 21
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 26
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To recognize the importance of kinship families in the District of Columbia and the many 31
benefits kinship caregivers bestow on the children in their care as well as the many 32
challenges they face when raising these children, and to declare the month of September 33
2024 as “Kinship Care Month” in the District of Columbia. 34
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WHEREAS, the DC Council seeks to proclaim September 2024 as Kinship Care Month 36
in the District of Columbia; 37
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WHEREAS, Kinship Care Month is observed to recognize children in kinship families, 39
and the grandparents, other relatives, and family friends who raise them, ensuring their safety, 40
promoting their well-being, and establishing a safe and stable home for these young people; 41
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WHEREAS, in kinship families, a caregiver cares for a child or children who were 43
biologically born to another family member or close friend because the biological parents are 44
unable to raise them; 45
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WHEREAS, nationally, approximately 2.7 million children are living with grandparents 47
and other relatives or fictive kin in kinship care; more than 22,000 of these young people reside 48
in the District of Columbia, with fewer than 120 of them in foster care; 49
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WHEREAS, one in 1 of all children, and one in five African-American children, will 51
live within a kinship family sometime during their childhood; 52
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WHEREAS, kinship caregivers report tremendous satisfaction in caring for and raising 54
children but face substantial challenges in accessing the resources they need to care for their 55
families; 56
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WHEREAS, many kinship caregivers live at or below the margins of financial stability 58
themselves even before they agree to take a child into their homes, while others may give up 59
their retirement years to assume parenting duties for these children; 60
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WHEREAS, many children come to live with kinship caregivers after allegations of 62
parental abuse or neglect; 63
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WHEREAS, children in kinship care frequently have mental health conditions from 65
trauma experienced in their homes and communities; 66
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WHEREAS, kinship caregivers offer a refuge, as well as love, nurturing and care, for 68
these children; 69
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WHEREAS, research shows that kinship care helps maintain family, sibling and 71
community ties, improves behavioral and mental health outcomes, and promotes permanency for 72
children who cannot live with their parents; 73
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WHEREAS, it is vitally important the public grow in awareness of the challenges faced 75
by children, grandparents and other relatives in kinship families; so as to ensure there are 76
services and supports available and accessible to enable kinship youth to grow and thrive; and 77
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WHEREAS, Kinship Care Month honors the priceless role these grandparents and other 79
kinship caregivers play in the lives of the children they love. 80
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 82
resolution may be cited as the “Kinship Care Month Recognition Resolution of 2024”. 83
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Sec. 2. The Council recognizes the contributions of kinship families raising children in 85
the District of Columbia, and declares the month of September 2024 as “Kinship Care Month”, 86
as a confirmation of the District’s continued support to kinship caregivers for stepping up in 87
times of crisis to provide loving homes for children in the District. 88
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 90