THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 2006

Foster Care Month

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WHEREAS, there are 475 children and youth in foster care in San Mateo County but only 85 foster family homes; and

WHEREAS, nationally eighty-three percent of foster children were held back by the third grade, and fifty percent suffer from chronic health conditions; and

WHEREAS, foster children and youth have the same needs, dreams, wants and desires as all children, and it is the responsibility of the entire community to make sure that each youth who leaves the foster care system in California has a permanent lifelong connection with a caring adult; and

WHEREAS, the Human Services Agency Independent Living Program provides critical transitional housing programs to youth such as the housing stipend program, employment and education services, mentoring and case management services; and

WHEREAS, the Human Services Agency, the Foster Parents Association, the Foster Parent Advocate, LAPP and other public and private agencies are working collaboratively to improve the lives of foster children in San Mateo County;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County declares the month of May FOSTER CARE MONTH and urges all community members to consider becoming foster parents, establish a permanent connection with a foster child or youth, or volunteer their talents and energies to honor children and youth in foster care and foster care alumni during this month and throughout the year.

Dated: May 2, 2006

SUPERVISORS:

JERRY HILL, PRESIDENT

MARK CHURCH

ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

RICHARD S. GORDON

ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors