Senate Resolution No. 1991

BY: Senator GRIFFO

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2026, as Foster Care Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those observances which bring awareness to important issues
affecting the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the further sense of this Legislative Body that the
children of the State of New York are our most precious resource and
that, as such, they merit the support, encouragement, and protection of
this State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Foster Care
Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Children and youth in foster care are among the most
vulnerable members of our society, and they depend on the compassion,
dedication, and support of foster families, kinship caregivers,
caseworkers, and community organizations to provide safe and stable
environments; and

WHEREAS, Foster Care Month serves as an opportunity to raise
awareness about the needs of children in foster care, to recognize the
commitment of foster parents and child welfare professionals, and to
encourage community involvement in supporting youth and families; and

WHEREAS, Proclaiming May as Foster Care Month also renews the
commitment to ensuring a bright future for more than 400,000 children
and youth in foster care; and

WHEREAS, The House of Good Shepherd of Utica, New York, is one
organization that is committed to serving those in foster care; for over
154 years, The House of the Good Shepherd has served children and
families throughout Oneida County and the surrounding region, providing
residential programs, mental and behavioral health services, foster
care, and special education that strengthen and support communities; and

WHEREAS, The House of Good Shepherd and other organizations
throughout the State continue to play a vital role in supporting foster
children and families, helping to ensure safety, stability, and positive
outcomes for youth in care; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to recognize the resilience of
children and youth in foster care and to reaffirm our collective
responsibility to ensure they have the resources, support, and
opportunities needed to thrive; Foster Care Month is set aside to
promote opportunities and contribute to lifting the quality of life of
the youth of this noble Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Foster Care
Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and to The House of the Good Shepherd.