Whereas, There is nothing more precious to our Great Lakes State than the healthy growth and development of our youth, who will determine the future direction of our state; and

Whereas, The family, serving as the primary source of love, identity, self-esteem, and support, is the very foundation of our communities and our state; and,

Whereas, In Michigan, there are more than 19,000 children and youth in the foster care system who are being provided a safe, secure, and stable home environment along with the compassion and nurturing of a foster or relative foster family; and,

Whereas, Foster families open their homes and hearts to children whose families are in crisis; thus they play a vital role in helping children and families heal, reconnect, and launch children into successful adulthood; and,

Whereas, Dedicated foster families frequently adopt foster children, resulting in a continual need for more foster families; and,

Whereas, Many youth who reach their 20^th birthday and “transition out” of foster care are often without the ongoing support and guidance of caring adults; and

Whereas, There are numerous individuals with public and private organizations who work to increase the public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care as well as the enduring and valuable contributions of foster parents and the foster care system; and,

Whereas, Foster Care Month in Michigan is an appropriate opportunity to thank the families who embrace the often thankless responsibility of providing a home and family to children in need of affection, love, and security and to support the efforts of those who dedicate their time to children in and leaving foster care; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 2006, as Foster Care Month in Michigan and I encourage citizens to volunteer their talents and energies on behalf of children in foster care, foster parents, and the child welfare professional staff working in our state this month and throughout the year.