    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 9869 of April 30, 2019

    National Foster Care Month, 2019

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    The future of our Nation rests with our children. We must invest in
    their futures, instill in them the values of family, faith, and country,
    and ensure they have every opportunity to realize their full potential.
    The development of our children begins at home, and my Administration is
    fully committed to strengthening American families.
    This month, we recognize that there are children in our towns and
    communities who may not have a family, or whose families may be
    experiencing great difficulty and hardship. In America, we believe in
    standing beside these children, walking with them through their trials,

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    and finding permanent and safe families for each of them. Kindhearted
    citizens across our land embody this belief, dedicating their time and
    efforts in doing so. In fiscal year 2017 alone, American families opened
    their doors to 443,000 young people in foster care--a number that has
    increased each of the last 5 years. During National Foster Care Month,
    we honor these patriots, who open their hearts to children who need a
    home, and who care for the most vulnerable among us. We also acknowledge
    the profound contributions of the individuals and organizations
    supporting foster and kinship caregivers, and those of the community
    providers and professionals who are helping children in foster care find
    safe and stable families.
    We must strive to keep families united, wherever possible, and my
    Administration is working to reduce the removal of at-risk children from
    their homes and familiar surroundings. Last year, I signed into law the
    Family First Prevention Services Act, which is working to bolster
    families and keep children safely in their homes, when possible. This
    legislation gives States access to funding for evidence-based prevention
    and early intervention services such as mental health therapy, family
    counseling, substance use and addiction treatment, and parenting
    classes. By allowing States to address factors, such as the opioid
    crisis, America's sons and daughters are more likely to experience
    improved outcomes and hope for a brighter future.
    When it becomes necessary to move children out of their homes in order
    to provide more safety, stability, and opportunity, placement with
    relatives who can provide that environment is the first option. Children
    often experience less trauma when in kinship care, which is why the
    Federal Government is funding programs that provide family caregivers
    the services and support they need and requiring States to demonstrate
    how their foster care licensing standards promote family-friendly
    options.
    Children deserve stable family environments, and foster care provides a
    wonderful opportunity for selfless and compassionate men and women to
    nurture children while we work to ensure that they have a forever
    family. This month, and always, we express our gratitude to all of the
    families who generously open their doors to children in need and provide
    them with love and support. We recommit to looking for opportunities to
    invest in the lives of our vulnerable young people, and we celebrate
    those who tirelessly serve our Nation's children in foster care.
    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 2019 as National
    Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by
    taking time to help children and youth in foster 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 nineteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    third.
    DONALD J. TRUMP