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May is Foster Care Month

Dear Friend – 

Foster parents are front line caregivers for thousands of children in Iowa and throughout the country. These folks open up their lives, homes, and families to children who are in need of care and support.  

As you might know, May is designated as National Foster Care Month. With more than 400,000 children in America’s foster care system, I’m calling on all Iowans to join me in taking the time to recognize the hard work of foster care workers who do so much to help our kids and to find them permanent homes and connections.  

This pandemic has been hard on everyone, and that includes our foster care community. That’s why I helped pass a bipartisan relief package—called the CARES Act—that includes support for families and children. For example, those who have aged out of foster care and are enrolled in higher education could have access to direct financial assistance through the funding we provided for colleges to give to students in need. We also increased support for family services programs for domestic violence and runaway youth.

Thank you

Folks, this pandemic has been hard on everyone. The least we can do is show our support for our foster care community…our parents, volunteers, mentors, child services professionals…the list goes on. These folks serve such an important role in the lives of thousands of our kiddos. May God bless you all. Thank you for everything you do for Iowa’s children and families! 

We will get through this pandemic, folks. Stay safe, and stay strong.

If you want more information about becoming a foster parent, to volunteer to provide respite care, or to find out where and how you can donate clothes and meals or provide tutoring services to a foster family in your community, you can find more resources through the Iowa Department of Human Services and the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.

For more updates on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Thank you!