LANSING – State Representative John Chirkun (D-Roseville) recently introduced House Resolution 91, declaring May 2015 as Foster Care Awareness Month. Chirkun and his wife, Sharon, are the parents of a grown son and daughter, and two foster sons, one of whom still lives at home.

“Foster Care Awareness Month is a way to recognize and thank the families who provide a home and family to children in need of affection, love and security,” said Chirkun. “There are more than 13,000 children in our foster care system, and their care involves helping them while they are in foster care and when the leave the system. This is just one way we can say thank you for giving these kids a good home and a good start in life.”

As a relative foster parent, Chirkun understands firsthand the challenges and difficulties many families have to overcome to make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of youth in foster care.

“By designating a month to foster care awareness, we can highlight foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals and other community members who help children find permanent homes and connections that will help them be successful in the future,” said Chirkun.