Porter Honors the Service of Foster Families
May 13, 2008
Washington, DC- Congressman Jon Porter and Congressman Jim McDermott introduced bipartisan legislation honoring the selfless service of foster families and recognizing the critical role these individuals play in communities across the nation. In addition, the resolution will mark May as National Foster Care Month.
Nationally, 799,000 children spent at least 24 hours in foster care and, on any given day, roughly 510,000 children were in the Nation’s foster care system. In Nevada, there are currently 5,450 children receiving foster care and 3,947 in Clark County.
“Because of the challenges that our child welfare system has faced in Clark County, we, as Southern Nevadans, are all the more aware of the need for a nurturing environment when the traditional household is non-existent”, Porter said. “Foster families graciously open their doors, and offer love and guidance in the most difficult of circumstances. It is critical we honor these unsung heroes.”
Porter has been a leader on child welfare issues in the 110th Congress. In addition to House Resolution 1185, Porter and Pennsylvania Rep. Chaka Fattah have introduced a bipartisan bill to reinstate the White House Conference on Children and Youth where foster care would be a central theme.
