HJR157 Summary

• Recognizes May 2016 as National Foster Care Month in Alabama to highlight the importance of foster care and honor the contributions of foster parents, social workers, and advocates.

• Acknowledges that approximately 5,000 children are living in foster care in Alabama and emphasizes that all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent home.

• Notes key challenges in the foster care system including that children remain in care an average of two years, experience an average of three different placements, and those who age out struggle with housing, health insurance, education, and employment.

• Highlights that children placed with relative caregivers experience more stability and fewer behavioral problems compared to those placed with nonrelatives, but some relative caregivers receive less financial assistance.

• Directs the House Clerk and Senate Secretary to transmit copies of the resolution to the Alabama Department of Human Resources to demonstrate legislative support for children in foster care.