This resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness of the challenges faced by children in foster care and encourage policy improvements to support them.
Charles "Chuck" Grassley
Senator
IA
This resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system. It honors the resilience of foster youth and expresses gratitude for foster parents, social workers, and advocates. Ultimately, the measure encourages Congress to implement policies that improve outcomes for children in foster care, from prevention to successful transition to adulthood.
National Foster Care Month Resolution Set for May 2026: New Focus on Support for 330,000 Kids and Their Caregivers.
This resolution officially designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month and marks May 31, 2026, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day. It is a formal call to action that puts the spotlight on the roughly 331,747 children currently navigating the foster system. By highlighting specific data—like the fact that kids stay in care for an average of nearly 23 months—the measure aims to push Congress toward policy changes that prioritize family stability and better resources for those on the front lines of child welfare.
The Reality of the System
The resolution lays out some sobering math for anyone who thinks foster care is just a temporary stop. In 2025 alone, over 175,000 kids entered the system, and about 13% of them were moved between three or more different homes. For a student, that means changing schools and losing friends multiple times in a single year. The bill also points out a major gap in how we treat caregivers: relatives who step up to take in a niece or grandson often receive less financial help and fewer services than licensed foster parents who aren't related to the child. By acknowledging these disparities, the resolution sets the stage for future laws that could level the playing field for 'kinship' caregivers who are keeping families together.
Aging Out and Moving On
One of the most critical parts of this measure focuses on the 15,030 young adults who 'aged out' of the system in 2025 without a permanent family. For a 18-year-old, this isn't just a milestone; it’s a high-stakes jump into adulthood without a safety net, often leading to immediate struggles with housing and health insurance. The resolution advocates for better 'post-permanency' programs, which are the resources that help these young people find steady work or finish college. It’s about making sure that when the government’s legal responsibility ends, the support system doesn't just vanish.
Supporting the Front Lines
Finally, the resolution addresses the people behind the paperwork. With child welfare worker turnover sitting between 23% and 60% annually, the system is in a constant state of churn. This measure recognizes that high stress and low support for social workers directly impact the quality of care kids receive. It also flags a specific medical concern: 34% of children in care who are on anti-psychotic medications aren't receiving proper treatment monitoring. By highlighting these 'on-the-ground' issues, the resolution encourages a shift toward better oversight and more investment in the professionals and foster parents who are doing the heavy lifting every day.