[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8661 of April 29, 2011

National Foster Care Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Progress in America can be measured by the opportunities we pass on to
our children. For nearly half a million youth in foster care across our
country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to
experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive. During
National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to ensuring a
brighter future for foster youth, and we celebrate the selfless
individuals who make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their
own, and each of our Nation's children deserves a stable home and a
devoted family. Strong support structures provide children with the
environment needed to learn, grow, and reach their greatest potential.
Permanence is critical to the future success of foster youth and must be
a key component of foster care initiatives.
My Administration is committed to achieving security for every child and
supporting adolescents in foster care as they transition to adulthood.
The Permanency Innovations Initiative, spearheaded by the Department of
Health and Human Services, is providing support to public-private
partnerships focused on decreasing the number of children in long-term
foster care. Over the next 5 years, this program will invest $100
million in new intervention strategies to help foster youth move into
permanent homes, test new approaches to reducing time spent in foster
care placements, and remove the most serious barriers to finding
lasting, loving environments. Over 110,000 children in foster care today
are waiting to be adopted. Across America, there are families who need
these children as much as these children need families. I en

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courage those interested in adopting a child in need of a home to
explore the life-changing resources available at www.AdoptUSKids.org.
We are also investing in the health and well-being of our young people
in foster care. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we
have significantly increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and
foster care assistance program to provide safe and stable out-of-home
care for children. As a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act I
signed into law last year, all children enrolled in foster care
automatically qualify for free meals in all Department of Agriculture
child nutrition programs. Additionally, beginning in 2014, the
Affordable Care Act will require States to extend Medicaid coverage up
to age 26 for all youth who have aged out of the foster care system.
As a Nation, we all have a responsibility to remain persistent in the
charge to provide the best care possible for children when they cannot
remain in their own homes. During National Foster Care Month, we
recognize the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based
and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of
young people in foster care across our country, and I encourage all
Americans to partake in efforts to serve these children in the year
ahead.
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 2011 as National
Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by
taking an active role in activities across our country that recognize
not only these cherished children and youth, but also the commitment of
so many that touch their lives at a most challenging time.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA