Senator Emmons offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 63.

            A resolution to recognize May 2017 as Foster Care Awareness Month.

            Whereas, In Michigan there are at least 13,000 children who have been placed and live in foster care environments; and

            Whereas, We must recognize the fundamental causes that contribute to the placement of children in foster care and work towards finding solutions to keep children in safe environments; and

            Whereas, Children and youth in foster care should be kept with their siblings and reunited with family if possible; and

            Whereas, We acknowledge and thank the foster parents, volunteers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes; and

            Whereas, As time passes, the prospect for some youth in the foster system is that they will “age out” of the system without a family, primary residence, or the skills to adequately provide for themselves; and

Whereas, To learn about becoming a foster parent, opening your home and heart to a child or youth in need, visit www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome; and

            Whereas, The state of Michigan has an obligation to improve the lives of children in foster care; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body join together in recognizing May 2017 as Foster Care Month.