HOUSE MEMORIAL 25

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Stefani Lord

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023, "FOSTER CARE DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, hundreds of New Mexicans serve the state and its children as resource families through traditional foster care and kinship care; and

     WHEREAS, foster care parents provide children in their care with unconditional love and support, emotional safety, educational opportunities, stability and, in many instances, the opportunity to be children without the burden of adult responsibilities; and

     WHEREAS, children in foster care rely on their resource families, advocates and providers to accept them for who they are and where they come from and to provide the necessary support and encouragement to set goals for their futures and to believe in the power of their dreams; and

     WHEREAS, resource families open their homes, hearts and lives to children who need love and support while maintaining respect for, and fostering connections to, the children's cultural communities and religions; and

     WHEREAS, many children are adopted by the resource families that have offered those children love, support and nurturing; and

     WHEREAS, resource families, advocates and providers find it a joy and a privilege to parent and learn from the children placed in their care, build up the children's self-esteem and provide them with structure; and

     WHEREAS, resource families, advocates and providers selflessly bestow opportunities for educational, emotional, mental and physical growth to the children in their care so that each child is treated with dignity and respect, while preparing the children to be confident, respectful, responsible and self-sufficient adults;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Wednesday, March 1, 2023, be declared "Foster Care Day" in the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that throughout the state of New Mexico, resource families, advocates and providers who selflessly serve and advocate for the children of New Mexico be treated with dignity and respect and be appreciated for the great service they provide through their altruism and love.

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