National Foster Care Month is a time to celebrate and thank those who work with our nation's children. It is also a time to focus on the foster children who wait in foster homes for a permanent adoptive families, as well as those children who are turning 18 and aging out of the system. Take some time to read up on this celebration and learn some quick facts about how it all got started and how it progresses today.
- It all began in 1988, when Senator Strom Thurmond, with the encouragement from the National Foster Care Association, introduced a resolution to proclaim May as National Foster Care Month.
- President George H. W. Bush issued a proclamation each year of his presidency.
- In the beginning, the focus of the celebrations were on appreciation for foster families and the service they provide for their communities.
- In the 1990's, the focus switched to the youth aging out of foster care.
- In 1999, the governors of 32 states and territories proclaimed May as National Foster Care Month. In 2004, the number rose to 41. Unfortunately, the number fell in 2005, to 29.
For information on what you can do to help the children who are waiting for a foster family contact your local state agency.
