Title
Proclamation proclaiming May as "Foster Care Month" in Allegheny County and urging all citizens to do something positive that will help change a lifetime for children and youth in foster care.
Body
WHEREAS, the family, serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem and support, is the very foundation of our communities and our County; and
WHEREAS, in Allegheny County there are 1,971 children and youth in foster care being provided with a safe, secure and stable home along with the compassion and nurture of a foster family; and
WHEREAS, foster families, who open their homes and hearts and offer help to children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role helping children and families heal and reconnect and launching children into successful adulthood; and
WHEREAS, dedicated foster families frequently adopt foster children, resulting in a greater need for more foster families; and
WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals, public and private organizations who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care as well as the enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents, and the foster care “system” is only as good as those who choose to be part of it; and
WHEREAS Family Services of Western Pennsylvania and its predecessor agencies have been providing foster care since 1885 and continue to serve the children and families of Allegheny County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby proclaim May as “Foster Care Month” in Allegheny County and we urge all citizens to come forward and do something positive that will help change a lifetime for children and youth in foster care.