[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25647-25648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10452]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 87 / Tuesday, May 6, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 25647]]


                Proclamation 9111 of April 30, 2014

                
National Foster Care Month, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every child deserves to grow, learn, and dream in a 
                supportive and loving environment. During National 
                Foster Care Month, we recognize the almost 400,000 
                young people in foster care and the foster parents and 
                dedicated professionals who are making a difference in 
                their lives. We also rededicate ourselves to giving 
                every child a sense of stability and a safe place to 
                call home.

                While the number of young people in foster care has 
                fallen, those still there face many challenges, 
                including finding mentors to guide their transition 
                into adulthood and getting the support to make that 
                transition a success. One third of foster children are 
                teenagers, in danger of aging out of a system that 
                failed to find them a permanent family.

                Across our Nation, ordinary Americans are answering the 
                call to open their hearts and homes to foster children. 
                From social workers and teachers to family members and 
                friends, countless individuals are doing their part to 
                help these striving young people realize their full 
                potential. My Administration remains committed to doing 
                our part. This year, the Affordable Care Act will 
                extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for children who 
                have aged out of foster care, allowing them to more 
                easily access quality, affordable health coverage. We 
                are working to break down barriers so every qualified 
                caregiver can become an adoptive or foster parent. 
                Additionally, in the past year, we awarded grants to 
                States, tribes, and local organizations to give 
                communities new strategies to help foster children, 
                including methods for finding permanent families, 
                preventing long-term homelessness of young people aging 
                out of foster care, and supporting their behavioral and 
                mental health needs.

                This month, and all year long, let us all recognize 
                that each of us has a part to play in ensuring 
                America's foster children achieve their full potential. 
                Together, we can reach the day where every child has a 
                safe, loving, and permanent home.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as National 
                Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe 
                this month by taking time to help youth in foster care 
                and recognizing the commitment of all who touch their 
                lives.

[[Page 25648]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                eighth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2014-10452
Filed 5-5-14; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4