Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

 

“I have a very personal interest in this issue,” said Cardoza, who seven years ago adopted two foster children, and has advocated on behalf of adoption and foster children in the California Assembly and in Congress. “This resolution, by highlighting attention on the problems in our foster care system, is a necessary first step.”

 

By declaring May National Foster Care Month the resolution recognizes the successes and failures of our current foster care system.  Mr. Cardoza believes that more oversight, government attention, and funding needs to be given to programs like the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Trained CASA volunteers investigate a child’s unique situation and advocate for the child’s best interest, generally emphasizing safety and stability for the child's home.

 

It is estimated that there are 800,000 children in foster care at some point during a given year. Children of color are disproportionately represented in foster care. African American children make up about 16 percent of the nation’s children but make up about 35 percent of the children in foster care.  15 percent of foster children are Hispanic. This is double the percentage from 1990.  These children enter foster care at higher rates and remain in care for longer periods than white children.

 

Some foster children in limbo waiting for adoption bounce from one social services system to another, often between children’s welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health. Each year about 20,000 children age out of the foster care system without being adopted and have no permanent connection to a caring adult. Several studies released in 2005 documented the special challenges facing these youths, especially in the areas of mental health, education and employment.