REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of May 2025 National Foster Care and Resource Parent Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
In 1998, National Foster Care Awareness Month was established to acknowledge foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community who help children in foster care find permanent homes, healthy connections, and the resources to lead a successful and rewarding life. National Foster Care and Resource Parent Awareness Month brings further awareness for the increasing need for more help and support for foster care in our communities.
Throughout Santa Clara County, over 600 children live in out-of-home care and approximately half of these children need a stable and nurturing family to care for them. Currently, there are approximately 151 active foster/resource homes that help care for children, however there is a constant need to recruit new foster/resource families.
Resource or foster parents care for youth who cannot live and be cared for by their relatives or extended non-related family members. Resource (foster) parents fulfill a vital role in ensuring that youth are safe and nurtured to grow and thrive.
The Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s services (DFCS) makes every effort to place youth with resource (foster) families who can provide the right family space for a specific youth. This helps to provide comfort and hope.
DISCUSSION
At the City Council meeting on May 27, 2025, the City of Santa Clara will proclaim May 2025 as National Foster Care and Resource Parent Awareness Month. Representatives from the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) will be present to accept the proclamation.
As part of National Foster Care and Resource Parent Awareness Month, the Santa Clara County DFCS honors and acknowledges foster/resource parents, children and youth who are in foster care, family members, and other organizations and members of the community who help serve children and youth in need.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. National Foster Care & Resource Parent Awareness Month Proclamation