StateofVermont
HouseofRepresentatives
Montpelier,Vermont
ConcurrentHouseResolution
H.C.R.104
OfferedbyCommitteeonHumanServices
HouseconcurrentresolutionrecognizingMay2025asNationalFosterCareMonthinVermont
Whereas,accordingtotheU.S.ChildWelfareInformationGateway,thereareover365,000children
andyouthinfostercare,and“77percentofeligibleyouthinfostercare,ages14–21yearsold,leftcare
withoutreceivingthefederallyfundedservicesnecessarytopreparethemforadulthoodand
independentliving,” and
Whereas,theDepartmentforChildrenandFamiliesreportsthatasofApril 1,2025,868Vermont
childrenwereinfostercare,therewere820licensedfostercaregiversand174caregiverlicenseswere
pending,andapproximately35percentoffostercaregiverswerefamilymembersorclosefriendswho
voluntarilysecuredfostercarelicensure, and
Whereas,onMay10,1988,attheinitiativeoftheU.S.Children’sBureau,PresidentRonaldReagan
signedProclamation5820establishingFosterCareMonth,whichcontinuestobeobservedannuallyto
directthepublic’sattentiontothenation’ssystemoffostercare, and
Whereas,Proclamation5820acknowledgedthat“thefamilyhastheprimeresponsibilityfor
nurturingchildren…[but]someparentsareunabletoprovideaminimallyacceptablelevelofcarefor
theirchildren,andtemporaryorpermanentalternativeplacementisnecessary…[andthat]fostercare
must…[focus]onthewell-beingofthechild,” and
Whereas,the2025themeforNationalFosterCareMonthis“EngagingYouth.BuildingSupports.
StrengtheningOpportunities.”— athemethat“highlightstheneedtocreateachildwelfaresystemthat
authenticallyengagesandsupportsyoungpeoplewhoarepreparingtoleavefostercare,”acurrenttopic
ofgreatconcerninthefostercarecommunity,nowthereforebeit
ResolvedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentatives:
ThattheGeneralAssemblyrecognizesMay2025asNationalFosterCareMonthinVermont,andbe
itfurther
Resolved:ThattheSecretaryofStatebedirectedtosendacopyofthisresolutiontotheSystemof
CareUnitDirectorattheDepartmentforChildrenandFamilies’FamilyServicesDivision.