HR158 Summary

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

• Acknowledges that approximately 5,000 children are living in foster care in Alabama and emphasizes the goal of ensuring every child has a safe, loving, and permanent home.

• Highlights challenges in the foster care system, including that children remain in care for an average of two years, experience an average of three different placements, and often face stigma and disruption.

• Notes that children who age out of foster care lack family support and frequently struggle with housing, health insurance, education, and employment.

• Directs the Clerk of the House to transmit copies of the resolution to the Department of Human Resources to communicate legislative support for children in foster care.