    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9734 of April 30, 2018

    National Foster Care Month, 2018

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    During National Foster Care Month, we reflect on the dedication of
    foster and kinship caregivers, faith-based and community organizations,
    and child welfare professionals who are improving the lives of children
    and youth in foster care throughout the country. Our Nation is deeply
    indebted to these selfless and compassionate Americans. We also observe
    this month, with sadness, the plight of innocent children who are in
    foster care because their lives have been disrupted by neglect or abuse.
    Providing a stable, secure, and nurturing home environment is one of the
    greatest gifts a foster parent or guardian can give a child. This
    critical investment in their well-being, safety, and sense of belonging
    brings precious hope to children in need. We acknowledge, with
    gratitude, the tremendous sacrifices made by our Nation's foster
    families as they open their hearts and lives and provide secure and
    supportive homes for the hundreds of thousands of infants, children, and
    youth in foster care.
    We also take this opportunity to acknowledge that there is still much
    more we can do to prevent the abuse and neglect that forces children
    into foster care placements. For the fourth consecutive year, the number
    of children placed in foster care has increased, driven in part by the
    opioid crisis and drug abuse. My Administration is dedicated to bringing
    help and healing to families threatened by addiction so that parents and
    children can stay together in a safe and stable home environment.
    In February, I signed into law the Family First Prevention Services Act,
    a law that aims to keep children at home and out of foster care by
    allowing States to use matching funds from the Federal Government for
    substance abuse prevention and treatment, mental health services, family
    counseling, and parenting-skills training. When it becomes necessary to
    place children or youth in foster care, this new law gives States
    incentives to reduce the placement of children in congregate care in
    favor of more desirable family atmospheres.
    We are blessed that our country is filled with generous individuals and
    families who willingly welcome children in need into their homes so that
    they can experience loving guardianship and some of the joys of family
    life. Many of these heroic families provide foster care for children
    with complex medical and challenging psychological and behavioral needs.
    This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the increasing
    number of children and youth entering foster care and to encourage
    Americans to invest in the lives of some of our Nation's most vulnerable
    children and families.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2018 as National
    Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by
    taking time to help children and youth in foster

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    care, and to recognize the commitment of those who touch their lives,
    particularly celebrating their foster parents and other caregivers.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
    April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    second.
    DONALD J. TRUMP