Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 86 (May 5, 2015)
Page Range
25575-25576
FR Document
2015-10647
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 25575-25576]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-10647]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 86 / Tuesday, May 5, 2015 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 25575]]
Proclamation 9263 of April 30, 2015
National Foster Care Month, 2015
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
At the heart of the American story is the simple truth
that all children should have a fair chance at success,
no matter who they are or where they come from. Central
to this promise of opportunity are the love and support
of family--which all girls and boys deserve, but not
enough have. During National Foster Care Month, we
recommit to caring for all our Nation's daughters and
sons, and we reaffirm our basic belief: in America,
there is a place for everyone, and no young person
should feel like they are on their own.
Over the last decade, our Nation has made significant
progress in reducing the number of young people in
foster care, but we have more work to do to ensure all
children can thrive in a safe and nurturing
environment. Today, there are over 400,000 boys and
girls in our foster care system. More than 100,000 of
them are waiting to be adopted, and every year, 23,000
young people age out of the system--never having found
the security of a permanent home. There also continue
to be disproportionate numbers of African-American and
Native American youth in the foster care system,
compounding the disparities these communities too often
face.
All young people, regardless of what they look like,
which religion they follow, who they love, or the
gender they identify with, deserve the chance to dream
and grow in a loving, permanent home. When our Nation's
daughters and sons lack stable homes and strong support
structures, they face enormous barriers to reaching
their fullest potential--difficulties no child should
have to experience, especially not on their own. And
those who age out of the foster care system often face
obstacles as they transition into adulthood, including
challenges completing their education, remaining
financially secure, and staying out of the justice
system.
My Administration is committed to expanding what is
possible for all our Nation's children and empowering
them to overcome every challenge they face. From day
one, we have been working to create a better, more-
supportive foster care system, and we have taken steps
to increase the safety, permanency, and well-being of
America's children. Last year, we announced new
initiatives to help protect the financial security of
foster youth, expand their opportunities for education
and employment, and keep them out of the justice
system. We are partnering with State and tribal leaders
to support innovative strategies that strengthen
families, improve the foster care system, and prevent
children from entering it in the first place, and each
day we continue the fight to secure every child's right
to earn their piece of the American dream.
We know that children are best raised in families, not
institutions. And each year, men and women of all
backgrounds open their homes and hearts to foster
children. These selfless individuals step up and serve
as loving parents and family members and dedicated
teachers, mentors, caseworkers, and faith leaders--
helping foster children realize their highest
aspirations despite the great odds stacked against
them. My Administration is striving to bolster all
those who support foster children by providing the
resources and assistance they need. With so many
children waiting for loving homes,
[[Page 25576]]
it is important to ensure all qualified caregivers have
the opportunity to serve as foster or adoptive parents,
regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation,
gender identity, or marital status. That is why we are
working to break down the barriers that exist and
investing in efforts to recruit more qualified parents
for children in foster care.
In the face of often unimaginable challenges, foster
children demonstrate extraordinary courage and
determination. Their resolve reminds us that we have
obligations to them and to one another, and that we all
share in the responsibility of lifting up our Nation's
youth. This month, we honor these young people and all
those who dedicate themselves to making a difference in
the lives of girls and boys in foster care. Let us each
recognize the large and small ways we can brighten the
future of a foster child this month and every month,
and together let us reach for the day when everyone
knows the love and safety of a permanent home.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim May 2015 as National
Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe
this month by taking time to help youth in foster care
and recognizing the commitment of all who touch their
lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2015-10647
Filed 5-4-15; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F5