[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7461]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Foster Care Month, which is observed each May to raise 
awareness about the challenges that are faced by children in the foster 
care system.
  Every year, nearly 30,000 young adults leave the foster care system 
at the age of 18 without the support of a permanent family. As these 
young people transition out of the system, they are at a higher risk 
for unemployment, poor educational opportunities, health issues, 
increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness.
  I am honored to be involved in recognizing the tireless efforts of 
individuals working to improve the foster care system and in shedding 
light on the needs of foster youth.
  Approximately 400,000 American children are in need of safe and 
permanent homes because their own families are facing a crisis and are 
unable to care for them. The issues faced by young people in the foster 
care system and those coming out of it deeply concern me. This is why I 
have been continually involved in raising awareness of issues facing 
the child welfare system for a number of years.
  Last month, I was proud to host a stop of the Congressional Caucus on 
Foster Youths nationwide listening tour where we learned first-hand 
about the challenges and successes of Florida's child welfare system 
from government officials, child welfare advocates, as well as current 
and former foster youth. My membership in the caucus, along with my 
work with programs such as Angels in Adoption, have made me better 
aware of not only the problems facing the foster care system, but also 
the many people who have dedicated their lives to making it better.
  Mr. Speaker, I am truly proud of the work that is being done in my 
congressional district, and applaud the efforts of the countless 
individuals across the Nation working to give foster youth a voice.

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