Designated May of each year as "Foster Care Month" in New Jersey.
Impact
This resolution serves to promote awareness of the more than 3,100 children currently in New Jersey's foster care system. The measure underscores the importance of recognizing the diverse communities represented within the foster care demographic, including an acknowledgment of the racial compositions of children in care. The state's Department of Children and Families has noted a decrease in foster care placements, showcasing a commitment to family preservation and strengthening kinship bonds, which the resolution will publicly celebrate.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 82 aims to designate May of each year as 'Foster Care Month' in New Jersey. By establishing this designation, the resolution seeks to raise public awareness regarding the foster care system and the significant role it plays in supporting minors who are placed in care situations. Foster care encompasses a variety of arrangements where children are cared for by state-certified caregivers, and the resolution highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting foster parents and child welfare professionals who contribute to this system.
Contention
While the resolution is explicitly supportive in nature, it places emphasis on the resources and support required to uphold the welfare of children in foster care. Some may question the adequacy of existing measures to support these placements and the stipulations surrounding kinship care compensation. This points to a broader conversation regarding the systemic needs of the foster care system in New Jersey and the essential role of community engagement in advocating for these children's needs during 'Foster Care Month' each year.