May is National Foster Care Month, this is an important time to raise awareness on issues related to foster care and to celebrate those who are dedicated to serving our children, youth, and families. Each May, during National Foster Care Month, please take the time to recognize foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care maintain and strengthen connections. Use this time to renew your commitment to ensuring a bright future for the more than 423,000 children and youth in foster care nationally and celebrate those who make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Today there are over 12,000 children in foster care in North Carolina. Sadly, these children must leave their homes due to crisis situations, and they look to loving adults in our communities for the things their own families are unable to provide at the time. The need is great for foster families to support these children during the transition, while they await reunification with their family of origin, guardianship with relatives, or adoption. This month, let us take a holistic and culturally responsive approach to embody this year’s theme, “Strengthening Minds, Uplifting Families.”
