093_HR0270

 
                                     LRB093 11670 HSS 15362 r

 1                          HOUSE RESOLUTION

 2        WHEREAS, The family, serving as  the  primary  source  of
 3    love,   identity,  self-esteem,  and  support,  is  the  very
 4    foundation of our communities and State; and

 5        WHEREAS, In  the  State  of  Illinois  there  are  23,000
 6    children  and  youth in foster care being provided with safe,
 7    secure, and  stable  homes  along  with  the  compassion  and
 8    nurture of a foster family; and

 9        WHEREAS,  Foster families who open their homes and hearts
10    to children whose families are in crisis play a vital role in
11    helping children and facilities heal and reconnect and launch
12    children into successful adulthood; and

13        WHEREAS,  Dedicated  foster  families  frequently   adopt
14    foster  children,  resulting  in greater need for more foster
15    families; and

16        WHEREAS, There are numerous individuals  and  public  and
17    private  organizations that work to increase public awareness
18    of children in  and  leaving  foster  care  as  well  as  the
19    enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents, and the
20    foster  care system is only as good as those who choose to be
21    a part of it; therefore, be it

22        RESOLVED,  BY  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES   OF   THE
23    NINETY-THIRD  GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
24    we name May of  2003  Foster  Care  Month  in  the  State  of
25    Illinois,  and  that  we urge all citizens to volunteer their
26    talents and energies on behalf of children  in  foster  care,
27    foster  parents,  and child welfare professional staff during
28    Foster Care Month and throughout the year.