WHEREAS, The family serves as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem, and support for children and is the very foundation of our communities and our state; and
     WHEREAS, In circumstances where children are unable to live with their families due to child abuse and neglect, foster parents provide needed care to thousands of children; and
     WHEREAS, In Washington there are over 6,000 children and youth in foster care being provided with a safe, secure, and stable home along with the compassion and nurturing of a foster family; and
     WHEREAS, Foster families, who open their homes and hearts, give hope to children whose families are in crisis; and
     WHEREAS, Foster families play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect and preparing children for success in adulthood; and
     WHEREAS, Dedicated foster families frequently adopt foster children, resulting in greater need for more foster families; and
     WHEREAS, In addition to the enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents, there are numerous individuals and public and private organizations who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children both in foster care and leaving foster care and thereby contribute to the strength of the foster care system;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives support foster care by observing May as Foster Care Month as declared by Governor Gregoire, and urge all citizens of the state to volunteer their talents and energies on behalf of children in foster care, foster parents, and the child welfare professional staff working with them during this month and throughout the year; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Honorable Christine Gregoire.