Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-Chairs Recognize May as National Foster Care Month

WASHINGTON – Co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, U.S. Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Penn.) and Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) made the following statements recognizing May as National Foster Care Month.

Rep. Karen Bass: “With more than 420,000 youth currently in our nation’s foster care system it is critical that we take time this month to raise awareness about the unique challenges young people in the system face. Joined with 50 of my other colleagues in the Foster Youth Caucus, we are committed to combining our unique and diverse experiences to bring a significant change to help youth prosper while in foster care and eventually find a permanent home.

Rep. Tom Marino: “As a foster parent and the father of two adopted children, it is an honor to join with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to recognize the importance of National Foster Care month. Our nation’s child welfare system faces a number of difficult challenges, but with increased awareness, coordinated state and federal efforts, and dedicated caregivers we will continue to make important advances in providing safer, stable, and caring environments for all foster youths.”

Rep. Jim McDermott: “As we celebrate the importance of National Foster Care Month, let’s remember that foster children need the same things to succeed that all children need – a safe home, a caring family, a good education and access to health care. I’m proud that my colleagues and I have been able to address many of the challenges that foster children face in a bipartisan manner. While we have made progress, there is still much more to do. I look forward to working with my colleagues, especially those on the Foster Care Caucus, to meet those challenges and enable every child in foster care to succeed.”

Rep Michele Bachmann: “I am delighted to join my colleagues in celebrating May as Foster Care Month. As a former foster mom to 23 beautiful girls, I am familiar with the varied experiences of these youth and desire to see needless barriers removed from their lives. Every life is valuable, and I hope that throughout the month of May, we’ll be able to raise awareness to the needs of foster children across the United States.”

To learn more about the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth visit fosteryouthcaucus-karenbass.house.gov

About the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth:
Founded in 2011, the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth was created by co-chairs Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Tom Marino (R-Penn.), Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) and Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) to protect and promote the welfare of all children in foster care and those who have “aged out” of the system. The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth provides a forum for Members of Congress to discuss and develop policy recommendations to strengthen the child welfare system and improve the overall well-being of youth and families.