National Foster Care Month 

By: Jasmine Wolfe 

National Foster Care Month is an initiative led and promoted by the Children’s Bureau. Every child deserves to grow up in a supportive, loving home where they can thrive and prosper. During those unfortunate times when children cannot remain safely in their own homes, the individuals and families who open their hearts and homes to foster children provide a vital service to their communities. 

Each May, many take time to acknowledge the 463,000 American children and youth in foster care and the foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. Starting in 1988, U.S. Presidents issued annual proclamations in recognition of National Foster Care Month to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents across the nation.  

The Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the federal agency that seeks to provide for the safety, permanency, and well-being of children through leadership, support for necessary services, and productive partnerships with states, tribes, and communities. Foster care is a part of the constellation of services provided to children and families. The intent of foster care is to provide an environment for children and youth who temporarily cannot live with their families. Mrs.Takacs an English teacher and Mr.Veronesi a History teacher were asked if you had the chance would you be a foster parent? Mrs.Takacs responds with, “If I was a bit younger than I am now, I would definitely do that!” and Mr.Veronesi responds with “I have nothing but respect for good foster parents–they are taking on a great responsibility and are doing a wonderful thing. At this point in my life, that is not a responsibility that I feel able to take on, though.”