III 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 471 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 9, 2006 Mr. Coleman (for himself, Ms. Landrieu, and Mr. Craig) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing that, during National Foster Care Month, the leaders of the Federal, State, and local governments should provide leadership to improve the care given to children in foster care programs.

Whereas more than 500,000 children are in foster care programs throughout the United States; Whereas, while approximately 1/4 of all children in foster care programs are available for adoption, only about 50,000 foster children are adopted each year; Whereas many of the children in foster care programs have endured— (1)numerous years in the foster care system; and (2)frequent moves to and from foster homes; Whereas approximately 50 percent of foster care children have been placed in foster care programs for longer than 1 year; Whereas 25 percent of foster care children have been placed in foster care programs for at least 3 years; Whereas children who spend longer amounts of time in foster care programs often experience worse outcomes than children who are placed for shorter periods of time; Whereas children who spend time in foster care programs are more likely to— (1)become teen parents; (2)rely on public assistance when they become adults; and (3)interact with the criminal justice system; Whereas Federal, State, and local governments— (1)share a unique relationship with foster children; and (2)have removed children from their homes to better provide for the safety, permanency, and well-being of the children; Whereas unfortunately, studies indicate that Federal, State, and local governments have not been entirely successful in caring for foster children; Whereas Congress recognizes the commitment of Federal, State, and local governments to ensure the safety and permanency of children placed in foster care programs; and Whereas every child deserves a loving family: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes— (A)May 2006 as National Foster Care Month; and (B)that, during National Foster Care Month, the leaders of the Federal, State, and local governments should rededicate themselves to provide better care to the foster children of the United States; and (2)resolves to provide leadership to help identify the role that Federal, State, and local governments should play to ensure that foster children receive appropriate parenting throughout their entire childhood.