Declares May Foster Care Month
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed legislation proposed by the administration to support foster youth throughout Maryland at a signing ceremony at the State House in Annapolis.
“Our administration strives to champion legislation and best practices that protect our children and support our families, ensuring that Maryland is a place where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Governor Hogan. “The legislation we enacted today will help ease the burden foster youth face as they transition into adulthood and provides a solid support system that will assist these youth with entering the workforce or pursuing a college education.”
The Fostering Employment Act of 2018 provides additional resources to help foster youth and homeless youth pursue career opportunities and achieve success. The legislation gives these young Marylanders greater access to apprenticeship programs and other workforce development opportunities, such as the nationally-recognized EARN program, through the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
Governor Hogan also issued a proclamation officially declaring May as Foster Care Month in Maryland, which he presented to Delegate C.T. Wilson of Charles County, a staunch advocate for foster youth rights.
“As a former foster youth, I understand how daunting and challenging it can be to transition into adulthood with no family support or guidance. They are wards of our state, therefore they are our children. They deserve to have the opportunity to be gainfully employed and no longer dependent upon the government,” said Delegate Wilson. “Foster care is seldom at the forefront of anyone’s thoughts. By recognizing May as Maryland Foster Care Month, we can bring attention to the children in need, as well as venerate those adults who have already stepped into the breach by becoming foster parents.”