By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Families are the cornerstone of our society, nurturing our children, instilling values, and fostering community bonds. However, many children find themselves in precarious situations, lacking a safe and loving environment due to circumstances beyond their control. It is during these challenging moments that devoted foster parents across America step in, embodying selfless compassion to provide every child with the love, support, and sense of belonging they deserve.
In recognition of National Foster Care Month, the First Lady and I wish to honor the extraordinary individuals and families who open their hearts and homes to thousands of children and youth throughout the year. Undoubtedly, these dedicated men and women are the unsung heroes of our communities, striving to offer each child a semblance of normalcy while also preparing them for potential reunification with their families or for adoption.
According to my Administration’s estimates, over 360,000 children and youth require the safety and stability that foster families provide each year. These licensed and trained foster or kinship-care families rise to the occasion, offering emotional support and stability during critical times. With the backing of numerous professionals and volunteers—including clergy, educators, attorneys, judges, social workers, and law enforcement—these noble caregivers can transform the trajectory of young lives for the better. Their commitment ensures that every child can grow and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
As a nation grounded in enduring values and principles, every child deserves a solid foundation and limitless opportunities. This belief drove me to sign the landmark Family First Prevention Services Act during my first term, which employs evidence-based interventions aimed at keeping families intact whenever possible. Through targeted services like mental health support, substance abuse treatment, in-home parental skills training, housing assistance, and job training, we address the root causes of family conflicts before they escalate.
However, while progress has been made, our work is far from finished. The First Lady is passionately dedicated to empowering young people through her BE BEST initiative, which aims to foster brighter futures for children and young adults. Her efforts are focused on helping those who have experienced foster care realize their full potential through education and ongoing support.
Together, we also recognize the urgent need for more men and women to step up and serve as foster families. These families play a crucial role in helping every child understand their worth and inherent value, instilling them with the courage, character, and confidence needed to pursue their own American Dream. We are profoundly grateful for their compassion and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation’s most precious resource: our children.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby declare May 2025 as National Foster Care Month. I urge all Americans to explore ways to support children and youth in foster care and to recognize the invaluable contributions of foster parents and other caregivers.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
