Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – "I rise in strong support of H.RES.179, a resolution declaring the sense of the House that a National Foster Parents Day should be established.

I have a very personal interest in this issue.  Seven years ago, I adopted two foster children.  Since then, I have advocated on behalf of adoption and foster children in the California Assembly and in Congress.

Our nation’s foster care system was created as a temporary safe haven for abused and neglected children.   Sadly, it has become a way of life for too many of our youth.    On average, foster children spend nearly three years in the system, and move as many times from one placement to another and from school to school.  Far too many spend much longer in the system, with as many as 24,000 young adults expected to “age out” of the system this year, cut loose with no family and little support.  Several studies released in 2005 documented the special challenges facing these youths, especially in the areas of mental health, education and employment. They are especially poorly prepared to be self-sufficient.

Despite the sometimes valiant efforts and good intentions of social workers, judges, foster parents and others, day to day life for children in foster care is often filled with emotional hardship.  Each year, thousands of children entering foster care will be separated from their brothers and sisters, some losing touch with each other for years to come.   The trauma of foster care takes it toll on young children.  Over one third will neither earn a high school diploma nor a GED.  One in four children in foster care will be incarcerated within the first two years after leaving the system, and over 20 percent will become homeless at some time after they turn 18. 

These children are waiting.  Speaking from personal experience, there is no greater joy in life than helping a child. 

Every child, no matter what station they may be born to, deserves a chance to be raised in a stable and loving home.  Innocent children should not be forced to bear the mistakes of others.

This is a big problem that will require bold solutions.  In order to save the next generation of children, we must re-dedicate ourselves to their welfare and pledge to do whatever necessary to nurture and protect them.

This resolution, by highlighting attention to the problem, is a necessary first step.  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and I yield back the balance of my time."

-Congressman Dennis Cardoza