[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25575-25576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-10647]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2015 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 25575]]


                Proclamation 9263 of April 30, 2015

                
National Foster Care Month, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                At the heart of the American story is the simple truth 
                that all children should have a fair chance at success, 
                no matter who they are or where they come from. Central 
                to this promise of opportunity are the love and support 
                of family--which all girls and boys deserve, but not 
                enough have. During National Foster Care Month, we 
                recommit to caring for all our Nation's daughters and 
                sons, and we reaffirm our basic belief: in America, 
                there is a place for everyone, and no young person 
                should feel like they are on their own.

                Over the last decade, our Nation has made significant 
                progress in reducing the number of young people in 
                foster care, but we have more work to do to ensure all 
                children can thrive in a safe and nurturing 
                environment. Today, there are over 400,000 boys and 
                girls in our foster care system. More than 100,000 of 
                them are waiting to be adopted, and every year, 23,000 
                young people age out of the system--never having found 
                the security of a permanent home. There also continue 
                to be disproportionate numbers of African-American and 
                Native American youth in the foster care system, 
                compounding the disparities these communities too often 
                face.

                All young people, regardless of what they look like, 
                which religion they follow, who they love, or the 
                gender they identify with, deserve the chance to dream 
                and grow in a loving, permanent home. When our Nation's 
                daughters and sons lack stable homes and strong support 
                structures, they face enormous barriers to reaching 
                their fullest potential--difficulties no child should 
                have to experience, especially not on their own. And 
                those who age out of the foster care system often face 
                obstacles as they transition into adulthood, including 
                challenges completing their education, remaining 
                financially secure, and staying out of the justice 
                system.

                My Administration is committed to expanding what is 
                possible for all our Nation's children and empowering 
                them to overcome every challenge they face. From day 
                one, we have been working to create a better, more-
                supportive foster care system, and we have taken steps 
                to increase the safety, permanency, and well-being of 
                America's children. Last year, we announced new 
                initiatives to help protect the financial security of 
                foster youth, expand their opportunities for education 
                and employment, and keep them out of the justice 
                system. We are partnering with State and tribal leaders 
                to support innovative strategies that strengthen 
                families, improve the foster care system, and prevent 
                children from entering it in the first place, and each 
                day we continue the fight to secure every child's right 
                to earn their piece of the American dream.

                We know that children are best raised in families, not 
                institutions. And each year, men and women of all 
                backgrounds open their homes and hearts to foster 
                children. These selfless individuals step up and serve 
                as loving parents and family members and dedicated 
                teachers, mentors, caseworkers, and faith leaders--
                helping foster children realize their highest 
                aspirations despite the great odds stacked against 
                them. My Administration is striving to bolster all 
                those who support foster children by providing the 
                resources and assistance they need. With so many 
                children waiting for loving homes,

[[Page 25576]]

                it is important to ensure all qualified caregivers have 
                the opportunity to serve as foster or adoptive parents, 
                regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, 
                gender identity, or marital status. That is why we are 
                working to break down the barriers that exist and 
                investing in efforts to recruit more qualified parents 
                for children in foster care.

                In the face of often unimaginable challenges, foster 
                children demonstrate extraordinary courage and 
                determination. Their resolve reminds us that we have 
                obligations to them and to one another, and that we all 
                share in the responsibility of lifting up our Nation's 
                youth. This month, we honor these young people and all 
                those who dedicate themselves to making a difference in 
                the lives of girls and boys in foster care. Let us each 
                recognize the large and small ways we can brighten the 
                future of a foster child this month and every month, 
                and together let us reach for the day when everyone 
                knows the love and safety of a 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 2015 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.

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

[FR Doc. 2015-10647
Filed 5-4-15; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F5