National Foster Care Month, 2014

Proclamation 9111 of April 30, 2014

National Foster Care Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every child deserves to grow, learn, and dream in a
supportive and loving environment. During National
Foster Care Month, we recognize the almost 400,000
young people in foster care and the foster parents and
dedicated professionals who are making a difference in
their lives. We also rededicate ourselves to giving
every child a sense of stability and a safe place to
call home.

While the number of young people in foster care has
fallen, those still there face many challenges,
including finding mentors to guide their transition
into adulthood and getting the support to make that
transition a success. One third of foster children are
teenagers, in danger of aging out of a system that
failed to find them a permanent family.

Across our Nation, ordinary Americans are answering the
call to open their hearts and homes to foster children.
From social workers and teachers to family members and
friends, countless individuals are doing their part to
help these striving young people realize their full
potential. My Administration remains committed to doing
our part. This year, the Affordable Care Act will
extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for children who
have aged out of foster care, allowing them to more
easily access quality, affordable health coverage. We
are working to break down barriers so every qualified
caregiver can become an adoptive or foster parent.
Additionally, in the past year, we awarded grants to
States, tribes, and local organizations to give
communities new strategies to help foster children,
including methods for finding permanent families,
preventing long-term homelessness of young people aging
out of foster care, and supporting their behavioral and
mental health needs.

This month, and all year long, let us all recognize
that each of us has a part to play in ensuring
America's foster children achieve their full potential.
Together, we can reach the day where every child has a
safe, loving, and 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 2014 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 fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.