New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement in honor of National Foster Care Month, a time to pay tribute to caring individuals, dedicated families and organizations improving the lives of foster children:

I am proud to recognize the importance of National Foster Care Month, an opportunity for people all across this great nation to focus on the needs of American children and youth in foster care.   It is also a time to pay tribute to the thousands of dedicated families and other caring individuals and organizations who are supporting and improving the lives of  these young ones - whether as foster parents, volunteers, mentors, employers or in other ways.

Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their own.  All of our nation’s children deserve a stable home and a devoted family.  Strong support systems provide children with the rich environment they need to learn, thrive, and reach their maximum potential. 

Every year, approximately 30,000 young people leave the foster care system without lifelong families - mostly at the age of 18. The best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home and devoted family. However, research shows that young people who age-out of foster care are far more likely than their peers to experience homelessness, poverty, compromised mental or physical health, insufficient education and unemployment. Without stable relationships, many end up enduring life's challenges all alone.

My Democratic Colleagues and I are proud to invest in the health and well-being of our young people in foster care in communities across America.  As a co-sponsor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have significantly increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and foster care assistance program to provide safe and stable out-of-home care for children.  

Additionally, beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require states to extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for all youths who have aged out of the foster care system.

I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of National Foster Care Month Resolution. I am committed to increasing positive outcomes for every child in foster care, and to supporting adolescents as they transition into adulthood.  My Congressional District is fortunate to have the following agencies assisting with this endeavor:  Harlem Children Zone, New York Founding, Children's Aid Society, Harlem Dowling, Father McCloskey Services, Catholic Guarding Society and Home Bureau, and Good Shepherd Services.  I applaud those families and organizations that have opened their hearts and their homes to a child. 

I encourage everyone to observe this month by dedicating their time and resources to help the child in foster care.  By taking the time to mentor, lend a hand to a foster family, or play an active role in the community we commit ourselves to ensuring a bright and optimistic future for foster children across the country.

Over 400,000 children in foster care today are waiting to be adopted. I encourage those interested in adopting a child in need of a home to explore the life-changing resources available at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_fospar.cfm