WHEREAS, May is recognized as National Foster Care Awareness Month, and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the needs of children and youth in foster care, and to recognize the dedicated and caring individuals who work to support them; and

WHEREAS, there are over 400,000 children and youth in foster care in the United States, who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or other issues; and

WHEREAS, foster care can provide a safe and stable temporary home for these children and youth, and can offer them the support and resources they need to heal and thrive; and

WHEREAS, foster care also involves a community effort, including social workers, foster parents, advocates, and volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of children and youth in foster care; and

WHEREAS, we honor and recognize the many foster parents who have opened their homes and their hearts to children and youth in need of a safe and loving family; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the work of Utah Foster Care to promote greater awareness of foster care and for their presence in our community and efforts to support our children and foster care families; and 

WHEREAS, in our community there is a specific need for more Native American foster parents for our native children; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the sordid history of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and its roots in Utah as a national case; and

WHEREAS, we see that Indian children have a unique political status not afforded other children as members of sovereign tribal governments. This political status, as well as the history of biased treatment of Indian children and families under public and private child welfare systems; and

WHEREAS, the call for Native American foster families, who open their homes and hearts to Native children whose families are in crisis, play a vital role helping children and families heal and reconnect; and

WHEREAS, Native American children and youth in foster care deserve the happiness and joy every child should experience through cultural preservation, family life and a safe, loving home. Families provide children with unconditional love, stability, trust, and the support to grow into healthy, productive adults; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City remains committed to supporting and advocating for the needs of all children and youth in foster care and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim May 2023 as:

Foster Care Awareness Month in Salt Lake City

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.