[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 19, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H2558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize May as National Foster Care Month and to say thank you to 
every parent, volunteer, and mentor who work with our foster children.
  I am a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and 
had a foster brother growing up, who is still part of my family.
  During this month, we renew our commitment to ensure that every child 
has a safe and loving family.
  I know firsthand how a supportive and loving home can make all the 
difference in a young person's life.
  There are over 460,000 children and youth in foster care. These 
children and youth range from infants to 18 years old, when they age 
out.
  Foster youth who transition out of the foster care system without a 
permanent home are at a higher risk of unemployment, poor educational 
outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on 
public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness.
  Every child deserves a safe, supportive, and permanent family. We 
have the responsibility to continue to create policies that will 
improve the outcomes of the overall well-being of foster youth and 
their families.

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