On the recordOctober 1, 2015
last night, this body approved a resolution authored by Senator Wyden and myself designating September 2015 as National Kinship Care Month. While many may not be aware, there are approximately 2,700,000 children living in kinship care around this country. That means millions of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives are looking after children in every urban, rural, and suburban county of the United States. These caregivers have stepped forward, often at great personal expense, out of love and loyalty to care for children during times in which biological parents are unable to do so. They provide safety, promote well-being, and establish stable homes and environments for extremely vulnerable children during very challenging circumstances. They serve in a time of upheaval and great change for these children, assisting them to recognize their self-worth and potential. Kinship care also enables the children to maintain family relationships and cultural heritage as they continue residence in the native community of the child. This resolution sends a clear message that the Senate is proud of and wishes to honor these everyday heroes, kinship caregivers, who throughout the history of the United States, have provided loving homes for parentless children. It is my hope that National Kinship Care Month can provide each of us with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the sacrifice and devotion of kinship caregivers.…
