Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month.

This resolution expresses strong support for recognizing April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month, highlighting the profound importance of sibling relationships for children and youth within the foster care system. It acknowledges that these bonds are crucial for emotional stability, long-term well-being, and serve as a consistent source of support, especially for children experiencing abuse or neglect.

The resolution encourages Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies to actively prioritize policies and practices that promote sibling placement and foster lifelong connections among siblings. It also advocates for significant improvements in data collection and transparency regarding sibling relationships and separations in foster care, noting that current systems often undercount these separations.

Ultimately, the resolution calls upon policymakers, child welfare professionals, advocates, and the public to raise awareness and address the critical needs of siblings impacted by foster care, aiming to reduce trauma and improve outcomes for these vulnerable children.