* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Conaway
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
In Celebration - May is National Foster Care Month
FOR the purpose of celebrating National Foster Care Month; expressing appreciation to all of the foster parents who open their homes to children in need, providing them a stable, secure, and nurturing place to call home; and encouraging others to do the same for the thousands of children across the nation living in out-of-home care.
body
Recitals
In May, the National Campaign for foster care brings together the nation's leading child welfare organizations to present a unified, compelling, and robust public face for foster care by raising visibility for the issue and attaching a strong call-to-action message that encourages more people to get involved and support the half-million children and youth living in out-of-home care throughout the year.
The Campaign goals are to:
· Raise AWARENESS about the magnitude of the issue and the urgent and sustaining needs of children and older youth in foster care and their families;
· Issue a national CALL-TO-ACTION that motivates, inspires, and facilitates many more Americans to come forward and help change a lifetime for a young person in foster care; and
· Develop a positive framework for maintaining visibility and interest in the foster care issue in SUPPORT OF THE YEAR-ROUND EFFORTS of the National Foster Care Month Partner organizations and other child welfare agencies.
Currently, 463,000 children in the United States are in foster care because their own families are in crisis and are unable to provide for their essential well-being. Many of the children in care are unable to return home safely because their parents lack access to services that could help strengthen families. There are an estimated 12 million alumni of foster care in the U.S., representing all walks of life.
Youth in foster care need a meaningful connection to at least one adult, no matter the age of the child. Without families or stable relationships, far too many of these formerly neglected and/or abused children end up facing life's challenges alone. Research shows that young people who age out of foster care are far more likely than their peers to endure homelessness, poverty, compromised health, insufficient education, unemployment, incarceration, early pregnancy, and parenthood.
Emphasizing the need for foster care parents in Maryland, Baltimore City will play host to the 40th Annual National Foster Parent Association Education Conference at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel from Friday evening, May 28th to Monday afternoon May 31. Even in these hard economic times, more than 300 attendees are expected. The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources will be a keynote speaker, and the agency has given the Maryland Foster Parent Association a grant to pay the registration fee for 125 foster parents to attend.
In proclaiming May 2010 as National Foster Care Month, the President of the United States said: "Nearly a half-million children and youth are in foster care in America, all entering the system through no fault of their own. During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the promise of children and youth in foster care, as well as former foster youth. We also celebrate the professionals and foster parents who demonstrate the depth and kindness of the human heart."
"This month, caring foster parents and professionals across the Nation will celebrate the triumphs of youth in foster care as they work to remove barriers to reaching a permanent family. Federal, State, and local government agencies, communities, and individuals all have a role to play as well. Together we can ensure that young people in foster care have the opportunities and encouragement they need to realize their full potential."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body celebrates National Foster Care Month; expresses appreciation to all of the foster parents who open their homes to children in need, providing them a stable, secure, and nurturing place to call home; and encourages others to do the same for the thousands of children across the nation living in out-of-home care.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor; the Secretary, Maryland Department of Human Resources; the Director, Baltimore City Department of Social Services; the President, Maryland Foster Parent Association; and the Mayor's Legislative liaison to the City Council.
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