TITLE
Title
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY AS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Phillips and Commissioner Trapp
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, National Foster Care Month serves as a great opportunity to bring foster care issues to the forefront, highlight the importance of permanency for every child and recognize the essential role that foster parents, social workers, and advocates have in the lives of children in foster care; and
WHEREAS, the primary goal of the foster care system is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while working to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for each child; and
WHEREAS, there are approximately 400,000 children living in foster care nationwide and approximately 450 children in foster care in Guilford County; and
WHEREAS, foster parents are the front-line caregivers for children who cannot safely remain with their biological parents and provide physical care, emotional support, education advocacy, and are the largest single source of families providing permanent homes for children leaving foster care to adoption; and
WHEREAS, foster care is intended to be a temporary placement with an ultimate goal of reunification with family members; however, often children remain in the foster care system for an average of two (2) years; and
WHEREAS, children in foster care experience an average of three (3) different placements, which often leads to disruption of routines and the need to change schools and move away from siblings, extended families, and familiar surroundings; and
WHEREAS, children entering foster care often confront the widespread misperception that children in foster care are disruptive, unruly, and dangerous, even though placement in foster care is based on the actions of a parent or guardian, not the child; and
WHEREAS, Guilford County is committed to support reunification services and postpermanency programs to ensure that more children in foster care are provided with safe, loving, and permanent placements; and
WHEREAS, Guilford County acknowledges the accomplishments of the child welfare workforce, foster parents, advocacy community, and mentors for their dedication, accomplishments, and positive impact they have on the lives of children in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners proclaims May as “FOSTER CARE MONTH” and recognizes our Guilford County foster youth for their ongoing tenacity, courage, and resilience while facing life challenges; acknowledges the exceptional alumni of the foster care system who serve as advocates and role models for youth who remain in care; honors the commitment and dedication of the individuals who work tirelessly to provide assistance and services to children in the foster care system; and encourages its citizens to consider opening their homes to fostering.
In Witness Whereof, I hereunto set my hand
and cause the corporate seal of the County of
Guilford to be affixed, this the 5th day of May, 2016.
Jeffrey M. Phillips
Chairman, Guilford County Board of Commissioners
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