[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE NEW ABC FAMILY TELEVISION DRAMA--THE FOSTERS

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                            HON. KAREN BASS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2013

  Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and celebrate the new ABC 
Family television drama--The Fosters. In its inaugural season, the new 
show highlights the strength, resiliency, and tenacity of foster youth 
and families in a compelling format.
  Throughout the United States, over 408,000 children have been removed 
from their families and currently live in foster care. Over 107,000 
youth are eligible for and are awaiting adoption. Additionally, more 
than 27,900 youth ``age out'' of foster care without a legal permanent 
connection to an adult or family. The primary goal of the foster care 
system is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children while working 
to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for each child.
  The Fosters television series brings these statistics and facts to 
life by providing millions of people throughout the country with a 
powerful glimpse into the challenging reality facing foster families. 
By courageously depicting difficult topics like domestic violence, 
family separation, school instability, and mental health diagnoses, The 
Fosters creators help to inform the American public about the 
difficulties and repercussions of child abuse, neglect, and trauma.
  At the same time, the show artfully portrays the love, courage, and 
dedication of the broad foster care community, including foster youth 
and parents, child welfare caseworkers and staff, biological families, 
and community volunteers. The Fosters series helps to highlight the 
simple fact that loving families help children thrive. The show has the 
potential to inspire people throughout the country to become foster 
parents, adoptive parents, mentors, advocates, and volunteers.
  As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, I 
commend creators Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, Executive Producers 
Jennifer Lopez, Joanna Johnson, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, Benny Medina 
and Greg Gugliotta, as well as the entire cast, crew, and production 
team for their dedication to creating a better future for our Nation's 
foster youth and families.

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