WASHINGTON RESOLUTION DESIGNATES MAY AS ‘FOSTER CARE MONTH’

            HARRISBURG, April 30 – The state Senate unanimously passed a resolution, sponsored by state Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery), designating the month of May as “Foster Care Month” in Pennsylvania.

            “Foster Care Month is a time for us to remember all of the children who need a safe, nurturing, environment,” Washington said.  “This is a time for all to acknowledge the foster families, foster parents, relative caregivers, grandparents, mentors, advocates, social workers, and volunteers who care for these children.”

            Pennsylvania has 20,925 foster children. Nationwide, there are 556,000.

            “This is a time to recognize the need to change the foster care system,” Washington said.  “Each year some 20,000 youth age out of the system and many become homeless, unemployed and, far too often, end up in the criminal justice system.”