A resolution 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 policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.
S. Res. 250 is a Senate resolution recognizing National Foster Care Month and using it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. While non-binding, the resolution encourages Congress to pursue policies aimed at improving outcomes for foster children, acknowledges the roles of foster families, social workers, and advocates, and designates specific days to honor foster parents. It also highlights the persistent needs and complexities within the foster care system—such as placement instability, aging out without permanent connections, and disparities affecting children of color—and calls for ongoing federal investments in prevention, reunification, adoption, and post-permanency supports.
Key Points
- 1Designates May 2025 as National Foster Care Month and May 31, 2025 as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day, recognizing the contributions of foster parents, social workers, advocates, and mentors.
- 2Encourages Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system, focusing on safety, well-being, and the goal of safe, loving, permanent homes.
- 3Emphasizes a comprehensive policy framework that includes prevention of foster care entry, timely reunification when in the child’s best interest, adoption when appropriate, adequate services for all placed children, and strong transition supports for youth aging out of care.
- 4Acknowledges the unique needs of foster youth, the contributions of the foster care workforce, and the role of relative (kinship) caregivers, while noting challenges such as placement stability, educational disruption, and ongoing health/medication management concerns.
- 5Reiterates the importance of continuing and building upon prior federal laws and programs (e.g., Family First Prevention Services Act) to fund prevention, family preservation, and post-permanency services, with the aim of improving outcomes for all children in foster care.