[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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.

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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, 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

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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.
BARACK OBAMA