WHEREAS, we recognize that there are children in our communities who may not have a safe and stable placement with their family, or whose families may be experiencing great difficulty and hardship; and

WHEREAS, the development of our children begins at home and in Nevada there are more than 4,000 youth in foster care being cared for by a foster family; and

WHEREAS, all young people in foster care need a meaningful connection to a caring adult who becomes a supportive and lasting presence in their lives; and

WHEREAS, foster, kinship, and adoptive families who open their homes and hearts and support children whose families are in crisis play a vital role in helping children and families heal and reconnect, thereby helping launch young people into successful adulthood; and

WHEREAS, prioritizing kinship care by identifying connections rather than just placement options, and maintaining community ties makes a difference in the lives of children and youth and can shift the foster care system to one that truly supports families; and

WHEREAS, dedicated foster families frequently adopt foster children, resulting in a greater need for more foster families, especially those willing to take older children, children with special needs, and sibling groups; and

WHEREAS,  all Nevadans can play a role in supporting healthy outcomes for our children and families through advocacy and engagement, not limited to answering the call to foster; and

WHEREAS, this month, the State of Nevada joins all of those involved with foster care in recognizing their loyal and steadfast devotion to the safety, stability, and well-being of Nevada's children and families year-round;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2022, as

FOSTER CARE MONTH IN NEVADA