Bill > SJR82

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 currently includes over 3,100 children. The resolution highlights important context about foster care, including demographic information from 2021, such as the racial composition of foster children and their living arrangements (53% with non-relative foster parents and 40% with licensed kinship foster parents). The resolution notes that foster care is a system where children are placed with state-certified caregivers through government or social service agencies, and it aligns with the national initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau. This year's theme focuses on relative and kinship connections to keep families strong. The resolution respectfully requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation and encourages public officials and citizens to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs that celebrate child welfare professionals and support foster children.

Health and Social Services

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SJR82