HCR 301

R-359  Page 1 of 2
2026
No. R-359. House concurrent resolution recognizing May 2026 as National Foster
Care Month in Vermont.
                                        (H.C.R.301)
   Offered by Representatives Goslant of Northfield, Arsenault of Williston, Bartley of
Fairfax, Boutin of Barre City, Branagan of Georgia, Brigham of St. Albans Town, Burditt
of West Rutland, Canfield of Fair Haven, Casey of Hubbardton, Charlton of Chester,
Christie of Hartford, Coffin of Cavendish, Cole of Hartford, Demar of Enosburgh,
Dickinson of St. Albans Town, Dobrovich of Williamstown, Dolan of Essex Junction,
Dolgin of St. Johnsbury, Goodnow of Brattleboro, Graning of Jericho, Greer of
Bennington, Hango of Berkshire, Harvey of Castleton, Higley of Lowell, Houghton of
Essex Junction, Kascenska of Burke, Kimbell of Woodstock, Krasnow of South
Burlington, Labor of Morgan, LaLonde of South Burlington, Laroche of Franklin,
Luneau of St. Albans City, Malay of Pittsford, Masland of Thetford, Morgan, L. of
Milton, Morgan, M. of Milton, Morrissey of Bennington, Nelson of Derby, North of
Ferrisburgh, Oliver of Sheldon, Page of Newport City, Pinsonault of Dorset, Powers of
Waterford, Pritchard of Pawlet, Rachelson of Burlington, Southworth of Walden,
Tagliavia of Corinth, Taylor of Mendon, and Winter of Ludlow
   Whereas, according to the U.S. Department of Education, at any given time,
approximately 400,000 children and youths are in foster care, and
   Whereas, the foster parents in Vermont play a vital role in brightening and improving
the lives of the children and youth for whom they are responsible, and their role can be
transformative, and
   Whereas, on May 10, 1988, at the initiative of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, President
Ronald Reagan signed Presidential Proclamation 5820, establishing National Foster Care
Month, shining a new light on foster care in the United States and observing that “the
family has the prime responsibility for nurturing children … [but] some parents are
unable to provide a minimally acceptable level of care for their children, and temporary
or permanent alternative placement is necessary … [and foster care provides] the
opportunity to live in healthy loving homes,” and
   Whereas, on April 30, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed Presidential
Proclamation 11023 designating May 2026 as this year’s National Foster Care Month,
“celebrating the foster families whose devotion carries our youngest citizens forward by
helping them realize the full potential of their unique American Dream,” and
    Whereas, “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” is the
2026 theme for National Foster Care Month, which “highlights the need to create a child
welfare system that authentically engages and supports young people who are preparing
to leave foster care,” now therefore be it
  Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
  That the General Assembly recognizes May 2026 as National Foster Care Month in
Vermont, and be it further
                                                                           VT LEG #389920 v.1
R-359  Page 2 of 2
2026
   Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to
the System of Care Manager at the Department for Children and Families’ Family
Services Division.
                                                                            VT LEG #389920 v.1