[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1233 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1233

  Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster 
                       Sibling Connections Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 29, 2026

 Mr. Nunn of Iowa (for himself, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, and Mr. Bacon) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                       on Education and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster 
                       Sibling Connections Month.

Whereas sibling relationships are among the most important bonds in human 
        development, contributing to children's emotional stability and long-
        term well-being;
Whereas for children who experience abuse, neglect, or instability, sibling 
        relationships often serve as their most consistent source of support and 
        belonging;
Whereas, when children enter foster care, the preservation of sibling 
        relationships is critical to maintaining permanency, reducing trauma, 
        and driving successful outcomes;
Whereas it is estimated that approximately 53 to 80 percent of children in 
        foster care are separated from at least 1 sibling;
Whereas research demonstrates that sibling separation in foster care is 
        associated with increased placement instability, behavioral challenges, 
        and adverse mental health outcomes;
Whereas current child welfare data systems often fail to accurately track 
        sibling separations, particularly in cases involving adoption, resulting 
        in a systemic undercounting of the scope and impact of this issue;
Whereas this data gap limits the ability of policymakers, practitioners, and 
        advocates to understand and address the harms caused by sibling 
        separation fully;
Whereas it is within the national and moral interest of the United States to 
        make progress in ensuring that no child is separated from their 
        siblings;
Whereas advocates across the United States are working to advance policies and 
        practices that prioritize sibling placement, visitation, and lifelong 
        connection; and
Whereas increased awareness of sibling separation in foster care would elevate 
        the voices of foster care alumni and promote policies that prioritize 
        maintaining and restoring sibling relationships: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses support for the recognition of National 
        Foster Sibling Connections Month;
            (2) acknowledges the critical importance of sibling 
        relationships for children and youth in foster care;
            (3) encourages Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies 
        to prioritize policies and practices that promote sibling 
        placement and lifelong connection;
            (4) supports efforts to improve data collection and 
        transparency regarding sibling relationships and separations in 
        foster care; and
            (5) calls upon policymakers, child welfare professionals, 
        advocates, and the public to raise awareness of and address the 
        needs of siblings impacted by foster care.
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