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SRES 250

A resolution recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system.

119th Congress Introduced by John Barrasso and 16 co-sponsors

Designates May 2025 as National Foster Care Month and May 31, 2025 as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day to highlight foster care needs and urge policy improvements.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SRES 250

Summary of S. Res. 250: A resolution recognizing National Foster Care Month

Overview

S. Res. 250 is a Senate resolution introduced May 22, 2025, that designates May 2025 as National Foster Care Month and May 31, 2025 as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day. The measure is non-binding and does not authorize funding. It expresses the sense of the Senate and encourages Congress to pursue policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system. The resolution was agreed to by unanimous consent.

Purpose and Intent

  • Raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in foster care.
  • Encourage Congress to implement policies aimed at improving outcomes for these children.
  • Acknowledge the needs of foster youth, their families, and those who work with them.
  • Honor foster youth, foster alumni, foster parents, and professional staff who support the foster care system.
  • Promote a comprehensive approach to child welfare that emphasizes prevention, permanency, and transition to adulthood.

Key Provisions

The bill enumerates ten principal points:
1) Support designating May 2025 as National Foster Care Month.
2) Use the month to highlight challenges faced by foster children.
3) Urge Congress to enact policies to improve lives of foster children.
4) Acknowledge the unique needs of these children.
5) Recognize foster youth for tenacity, courage, and resilience.
6) Celebrate foster care system alumni who advocate for remaining youth.
7) Honor individuals who provide services and support to foster children.
8) Designate May 31, 2025 as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day.
9) Recognize foster parents’ contributions and the growing need for foster families.
10) Reaffirm the ongoing commitment to improve outcomes via initiatives that: a) support vulnerable families; b) prevent entry into foster care and promote reunification when best; c) promote adoption when reunification isn’t in the child’s best interests; d) adequately serve foster children; e) facilitate successful transitions to adulthood for those aging out.

Affected Parties

  • Foster youth and alumni
  • Foster families and foster parents
  • Foster care professionals and service providers
  • Organizations and agencies involved in child welfare
  • Members of Congress and federal policymakers (for potential future actions)

Legislative and Procedural Details

  • Status: Introduced in the Senate and adopted by unanimous consent.
  • Actions: Considered and agreed to without amendment; preamble included.
  • Text reference: Senate floor records CR S3122-3123 and S3141.

Sponsorship and Support

  • Primary sponsor: Chuck Grassley
  • Notable cosponsors include: Mark R. Warner, Amy Klobuchar, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Tim Kaine, Shelley Moore Capito, Ron Wyden, Katie Britt, Todd Young, John Barrasso, Mike Crapo, Markwayne Mullin, Maggie Hassan, Jon Husted, John Cornyn, James Risch, Alex Padilla, among others.
  • Described as bipartisan in sponsorship.

Practical Implications

As a non-binding resolution, S. Res. 250 does not create new law or funding. Its primary effect is symbolic recognition and a policy signal urging Congress to consider and pursue measures aligned with child welfare improvements, such as prevention, reunification where appropriate, adoption when needed, adequate services for foster children, and supports for aging out of the system. It helps frame foster care issues as a national priority and may inform future legislative proposals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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