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 20,000 children and youth in foster care being provided with a safe, secure and stable home environment along with the compassion and nurture of a foster family; and,

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

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

Whereas, Many youth who reach their 18th birthday and “age out” of foster care are often without the ongoing support and guidance of caring adults; and

Whereas, There are numerous individuals, public and private organizations who work to increase public awareness of the needs of children in and leaving foster care as well as the enduring and valuable contribution of foster parents; the foster care system will only reach as high as those who choose to be part of it; and,

Whereas, Foster care Month in Michigan is an appropriate opportunity to thank the families who take an 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, 2003, 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.