2021 Foster Care and
Foster Family Recognition Month
WHEREAS, strengthening families and focusing on their wellbeing is vital to building strong communities, and preserving families is the primary goal of the child welfare system; and
WHEREAS, foster parents play an important role in supporting biological parents and helping them enhance their relationship with their children to achieve family stability and maintain family connections in support of family reunification; and
WHEREAS, there are 424,000 youth in foster care across the nation, and foster families open their homes to provide a stable, nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are 5,400 youth in foster care, and nearly 600 youth in congregate care such as group homes and residential treatment facilities who are in need of a foster home; and
WHEREAS, currently in Fairfax County approximately 200 children are in foster care, and nearly 120 families are certified by the Department of Family Services to provide caring, safe and nurturing homes for children and youth in foster care; and
WHEREAS, we have a responsibility as individuals, neighbors, community members and residents to recognize that all children need love, support, security and a place to call home; and
WHEREAS, during National Foster Care Month we celebrate all those who have invited a child in need into their hearts and homes and express our profound appreciation for those who make foster care possible; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, does hereby proclaim May 2021 as
Foster Care and Foster Family Recognition Month
in Fairfax County and urges all residents to volunteer their time and talents on behalf of children in foster care and to support and recognize the commitment of foster families and professional staff who work with these children and youth.
Jeffrey C. McKay, Chairman
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
April 13, 2021
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