Bill > AJR102

This joint resolution designates September of each year as "Kinship Care Month" in New Jersey to recognize and celebrate kinship caregivers, who are relatives or close family friends providing temporary or permanent care for children when biological parents cannot. The resolution highlights that kinship care can be informal (arranged by the family) or formal (arranged through a child welfare agency), and is considered the preferred placement option for children who must be removed from their homes because it maintains familial and cultural connections while providing stability and reducing separation trauma. The resolution notes that nationally, 2.5 million children live in kinship care arrangements, and in New Jersey specifically, 1,282 children (40 percent of foster placements) were living with licensed kinship foster parents in 2021. The resolution requests that the Governor annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs, thereby raising awareness about the critical role kinship caregivers play in supporting children's well-being.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR102