SENATE MEMORIAL 4

54th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2019

INTRODUCED BY

Michael Padilla and Candace Gould

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH 1, 2019 "FOSTER PARENT APPRECIATION, ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS DAY" IN THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, hundreds of New Mexicans serve as foster care parents to children who are removed from their homes, through no fault of their own, because the homes are not safe places for them; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents provide unconditional love, care and commitment to displaced children; and

     WHEREAS, according to the children, youth and families department, in fiscal year 2018, there were two thousand five hundred thirty-one children in foster care; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents participated in three hundred eleven finalized adoptions; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents are ready to receive a child at a moment's notice, without any previous knowledge or information about the child or for how long the child will need their care; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents exemplify selflessness and community by building positive connections and experiences for foster care children by doing their best to provide for the stability and security of those children; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents open their homes and their hearts to children who need love and support, while respecting and fostering connections to the children's culture, religion and community; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents help children in foster care realize they are not alone and that others care for them; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents help children build self-esteem and confidence and provide structure that will contribute to healthy and engaging lives; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents have the joy and privilege of parenting and learning from children who did not decide to be placed under the state's care, but like all children, have so much to offer;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March 1, 2019 be declared "Foster Parent Appreciation, Advocacy and Awareness Day" in the senate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families.