    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [May 5, 2003]
    [Pages 434-435]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of National Foster Care Month, 2003
    May 5, 2003

        I send greetings to those celebrating National Foster Care Month.
        Children thrive in loving families where they are nurtured,
    comforted, and protected. For many children, foster parents provide a
    safe haven until they can return home or be placed with an adoptive
    family. Across our Nation, approximately 570,000 children are living in
    foster care. During this month, we honor foster and adoptive parents,
    mentors, community organizations, and all individuals who embrace the
    lives of young people in need.
        My Administration remains committed to strengthening American
    families by setting policies that encourage a secure today and a healthy
    tomorrow for children and families. Through the Promoting Safe and
    Stable Families Program, we are working to keep families together. When
    children must be separated from their families to protect their safety,
    this program supports efforts to correct the problem and reunite them
    safely and quickly. The Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program also
    supports adoption and post-adoptive services to place children with
    loving families, to ease a child's transition into a new family, and to
    help ensure that families stay strong and intact. And as teens leave the
    foster care system, the program authorizes States to provide Independent
    Living vouchers of up to $5,000 a year for education and vocational
    training.
        Every child in America deserves to live in a safe, permanent, and
    loving family. I commend foster parents for providing guidance and
    support to young people and families in crisis. Your important work
    helps our children develop into confident and

    [[Page 435]]

    successful individuals and demonstrates the compassionate spirit of our
    great Nation.
        Laura joins me in sending our best wishes.

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this message.