Bill > AJR103

This joint resolution designates May of each year as "Foster Care Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness about the state's foster care system, which in 2021 involved 3,188 children, with a diverse demographic breakdown including 39% African-American, 27% Hispanic-American, 27% White-American, and 1% Asian-American and Pacific Islander children. The resolution, aligned with the national initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, aims to celebrate child welfare professionals and recognize the importance of foster care, noting that in 2021, 53% of foster children were living with non-relative foster parents and 40% were with licensed kinship foster parents. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs, with a specific focus this year on relative and kinship connections to help keep families strong. The resolution highlights the state's efforts to reduce out-of-home placements through prevention networks and family preservation strategies, ultimately seeking to draw attention to the critical work of supporting children in the foster care system.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR103