[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SENSE OF HOUSE REGARDING FORMER FOSTER CARE YOUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I 
may consume. I rise today to ask my colleagues to support H. Res 1208.
  This resolution is very simple. It recognizes the many problems that 
face young people who spend time in foster care, and it thanks the many 
others who work to ease their transition from foster care to adulthood 
and independence.
  In Georgia, there are thousands of children in foster care. Living in 
foster care is not a choice. These young people--of all race, ages, and 
backgrounds--were victims of neglect and abuse. Child welfare services 
share a common goal of finding safe, stable, and loving homes for these 
young people. Unfortunately, this dream is not always realized.
  I have the privilege to serve on the Ways and Means' Income Security 
and Family Support Subcommittee chaired by my friend and colleague, Mr. 
McDermott. Last year, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) 
invited two young people from my congressional district to testify 
about what it is like to transition from foster care to adulthood.
  Anthony Reeves and Sherena Johnson both ``aged-out'' of Georgia's 
foster care system. They shared with us how difficult it is to find 
housing, health care, education, livable wage jobs, security, and 
stability. At a young age, when most are still relying on financial and 
emotional support from their parents and family, these young people had 
no one to fall back on. Mr. Speaker, these are the stories that break 
your heart.
  Today, we honor those like Anthony, Sherena, and Kevin Brown--a 
recent Clark Atlanta University graduate--who are determined to find 
their way despite so many obstacles before them. We also pay tribute to 
the mentors, the volunteers, the parents, organizations, and many 
others who fill in the gaps in Federal and State coverage to help these 
young people during the most difficult times.
  Most importantly, this resolution sends a message to the half a 
million young people currently in the foster care system. Congress 
tells them, ``You are not alone. We love you; we support you. You are 
not forgotten; there is hope. You will survive, and you will succeed.''
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I urge all of my colleagues to support this 
very simple resolution.

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