USA

Every year May is National Foster Care Month, but it’s not any other year for foster youth across the nation: three recent laws have significantly improved foster care in the U.S.  In a proclamation released on April 28th, President Obama outlined the goals of the laws and recognized all the people involved in improving the lives of foster youth and former foster youth. 

The first relevant act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and foster care assistance program.  The program ensures foster youth entering foster care are staying in safe and stable environments.  The second act, Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions, provides support to older youth by improving educational opportunities and stability.  The third act, Patient Protection and Affordable Care, will ensure Medicaid coverage to former foster youth beginning in 2014.  Collectively, we have recognized some of the deficits of the programs and safety nets designed for foster youth.  Combined, the three acts promise to change the outcomes of those living in foster care.

Today, Educate Tomorrow recommits to help foster youth achieve their full potential.  However, this can only be realized through you.  You are our agents of change, you work to inspire youth day in and day out, you keep them focused on their goals, and it is you who provide them constant support.  Thank you for your continuing dedication to our youth. 

Read the proclamation at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-foster-care-month