Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1233

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Families

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-05-15T17:10:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1233) expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month. It highlights the vital role of sibling relationships in supporting children's emotional well-being, especially for those in foster care who face separation from siblings.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses outlining the problem (e.g., 53-80% of foster children separated from siblings, leading to instability and mental health issues; poor data tracking) and ends with a "Resolved" section directing the House to:

• Support recognition of National Foster Sibling Connections Month.
• Acknowledge the importance of sibling bonds for foster youth.
• Encourage federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies to prioritize policies for sibling placement, visitation, and lifelong connections.
• Support better data collection and transparency on sibling separations in foster care.
• Call upon policymakers, child welfare workers, advocates, and the public to raise awareness and address siblings' needs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• None. This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create new laws, amend existing statutes, or require enforcement. It serves as a symbolic statement of support.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: May encourage voluntary policy shifts toward sibling-focused practices and improved data systems, but no mandates.
• On citizens: Raises public awareness about foster care challenges, potentially benefiting foster children and alumni by promoting family connections.
• On international relations: No impact.
• Overall, it could inspire future legislation or program changes in child welfare without immediate enforceable effects.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Children and youth in foster care, especially siblings at risk of separation.
• Foster care alumni whose voices are elevated.
• Child welfare agencies (federal, state, Tribal, local) urged to prioritize sibling connections.
• Policymakers, professionals, and advocates called to action.
• General public, encouraged to increase awareness.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Purely symbolic; holds no force of law and cannot be challenged in court.
• Constitutional: No implications, as it does not infringe on rights or powers.
• Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. Nunn, Moore, and Bacon); referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Could build momentum for child welfare reforms but remains non-binding.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-29: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-04-29: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month. — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (3 pages)