HR0291 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0291 LRB098 11806 GRL 44936 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Each year, more than 4,000 children who have been abused or neglected cannot remain with their families safely; these children need and deserve the temporary safe haven of a family home, where they can be protected, nurtured, and loved; and

WHEREAS, Without volunteer foster families, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would not be able to fulfill its mission to provide for the well-being of the nearly 15,000 children currently in its care; and

WHEREAS, The Department and its nonprofit partners provide a wide range of supports to assist foster families in meeting not only a child's basic physical needs, but also to ensure their educational, emotional, and social well-being, none of which can be achieved without the dedication of foster families; and

WHEREAS, Foster families answer a noble calling to devote their time and energies to children to reunite families when possible, support other permanency options, and create opportunities for a successful launch to adulthood; and

WHEREAS, Foster families provide children with the one thing they need the most, which cannot come from a government or nonprofit agency, but only from the heart of another human being: love; and

WHEREAS, It is impossible to quantify the minute and magnificent ways foster parents change lives; they deserve the utmost respect and gratitude for the lasting impact they have in the life of a child, in their communities, and on the future prosperity of this State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the month of May of 2013 as Foster Parent Appreciation Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we extend our thanks on behalf of the people of this State to the thousands of Illinois foster families and encourage everyone to consider joining them in their noble service to children, communities, and our State.