Foster Care Month

WHEREAS, the family serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem and support, is the very foundation of our communities and our state; and

WHEREAS, in Alabama there are approximately 5,000 children and older youth in foster care being provided with a safe, secure and stable home by compassionate and nurturing foster families; and

WHEREAS, foster families, who open their hearts and homes offer help to children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role helping children and families heal and reconnect, 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 and 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:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 2015, as

Foster Care Month

in the state of the Alabama.