Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in, or at risk of entering, the foster care system.
According to the resolution, there were approximately 369,000 children living in foster care in 2022, with many entering and waiting for adoption without stable connections to family or community. It emphasizes the need for permanency for children in the system and recognizes that children of color face greater challenges, including longer stays in foster care and lower rates of reunification with biological families. By bringing forward this resolution, Congress aims to highlight these disparities and the urgent need for reform.
House Resolution 390 recognizes National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. The resolution not only seeks to acknowledge the efforts of foster parents, social workers, and advocates but also calls upon Congress to implement policies that improve the lives of children currently in or at risk of entering the system. The model of support foster care is based on the premise that all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent family environment.
While the resolution is largely supportive of the foster care system, it acknowledges that more effort is needed to improve outcomes for all children involved. Notable points of contention could arise regarding the resources allocated to foster care services, the effectiveness of current policies in achieving permanency, and the specific measures Congress should take to address the need for enhanced preventative and support services for families at risk. Additionally, the focus on educational stability and emotional support for foster children promises to foster further debates on implementation and funding.
The resolution encourages states and localities to invest in preventive and postpermanency services, which are essential for providing stable and loving homes for children in foster care. This reinforces the role of community involvement in addressing the systemic issues within the welfare system, advocating for better outcomes not just for children, but for families as well.