A resolution recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system and to encourage Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 737
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Families
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313; text: CR S2312-2313)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T13:29:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This Senate resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month. It aims to highlight challenges faced by children in the foster care system, recognize the roles of caregivers and workers, and urge Congress to pursue policies that support safe and permanent homes for these children.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Supports the designation of May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about foster care issues.
- Recognizes the needs of children in foster care and honors their resilience, as well as the contributions of foster parents, alumni of the system, and child welfare workers.
- Designates May 31, 2026, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day to acknowledge foster parents and promote recruitment.
- Encourages policies focused on supporting families, preventing entry into foster care, promoting reunification when appropriate, advancing adoptions, and aiding youth transitioning to adulthood.
- References prior federal laws, such as the Family First Prevention Services Act and the Adoption and Safe Families Act, as foundations for ongoing improvements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. It is a non-binding measure that acknowledges past legislation without amending statutes or creating new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- The resolution may encourage federal, state, and local agencies to prioritize prevention and reunification services, potentially influencing resource allocation for child welfare programs.
- It could raise public awareness among citizens, fostering greater community support for foster families and reducing stigma around children in care.
- No impacts on international relations are addressed in the document.
Main Stakeholders Affected by This Legislation
- Children currently in foster care (approximately 331,747 noted) and those entering or aging out of the system.
- Foster parents, relative caregivers, and adoptive families.
- Child welfare workers, social workers, and advocates.
- Congress and federal agencies involved in child welfare policy.
- Biological families and communities seeking to prevent foster care placements.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution carries no legal or constitutional implications, as it lacks enforceable provisions and serves only as an expression of Senate sentiment. Politically, it reflects bipartisan support for foster care improvements without mandating actions or altering power structures between government branches.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (15)
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313; text: CR S2312-2313)
- 2026-05-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2313; text: CR S2312-2313)
Bill Versions
- Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system and to encourage Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (7 pages)