[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING MAY AS NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 21, 2013

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in 
recognition of May as National Foster Care Month. National Foster Care 
Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness for the hundreds of 
thousands of children and youth who are in our nation's foster care 
system. Each one of these individuals is part of a network of dedicated 
professionals, foster parents, and advocates who work 365 days a year, 
and for that they must be commended.
  Furthermore, I believe that it is imperative we focus on the day-to-
day successes of these children and their allies. In March 2012, I was 
proud to host a listening tour through Broward and Miami-Dade counties 
to bring greater attention to the efforts of local communities striving 
to improve our foster care system.
  As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I am 
distinctly aware of the issues facing our child welfare system. 
Currently, there are over 400,000 children in our nation's foster care 
system, many of whom have serious emotional or medical problems. On 
average, these children wait three years for permanent families, with 
many aging out of foster care without the love and support from family. 
These children deserve permanent loving families, and it is our 
responsibility as legislators to create policy that will help to that 
improve their outcomes.
  At times, the frailties and stark statistics of the foster care 
system can seem overwhelming. However, as I have seen from my own 
experience, when given a voice and a chance, foster youth are 
resilient, capable, and yearning for success. It is up to all of us to 
nurture the greatness in these youth.
  Investing in our children's future is an investment in the future of 
our nation, and that is why I remain committed to working with my 
colleagues in Congress to move this country forward on issues critical 
to their success.

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