Court Adoption and Permanency Month.
One significant impact of ACR 106 is its potential to reinforce state laws surrounding child welfare and family support. By promoting kinship care, where children are placed with relatives or members of their community, the resolution aligns with existing state efforts to improve the outcomes for children in the foster care system. As noted in the introduced bill, kinship care is associated with better mental health outcomes and a greater stability in placements for children, contributing to a reduction in their behavioral issues and a lower likelihood of reentry into foster care.
ACR 106 is a resolution introduced by Assembly Member Kalra, with support from Senator Ashby, which seeks to declare November 2025 as Court Adoption and Permanency Month. This initiative aims to highlight the critical role of juvenile courts and their judges in overseeing the welfare of children within their jurisdiction, emphasizing the importance of community support and the proper placement of children in care systems. It focuses on promoting the concept of kin-first culture, which encourages families to collaborate in determining the safest home environment for children, be it within their family or community.
While ACR 106 is primarily celebratory and supportive of children's welfare, one point of contention may arise concerning funding and resources for implementing the kin-first approach effectively. Critics could argue that simply declaring a month for adoption and permanency does not address the underlying systemic challenges faced within the foster care system, such as funding shortages for kinship caregivers or support services that are crucial for maintaining stability for children in these placements. As such, while the resolution champions positive changes, it must also confront the realities of ensuring adequate support for these families.