WHEREAS, an estimated 7.8 million American children live in households headed by a grandparent or other relative; and
WHEREAS, in these families, often referred to as kin-care, kinship care, or grand-families, parents are usually absent and biological relatives (grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins or great grandparents) bear the primary responsibility for the well-being and rearing of children in the family; and
WHEREAS, more than 25 percent of children in foster care live with relative caregivers; for every child raised in the foster care system, more than 20 children who are not in foster care are raised by grandparents or other relatives; and
WHEREAS, grand-families that keep children out of foster care save taxpayers an estimated up to $6.5 billion each year; and
WHEREAS, approximately 226,000 North Carolina children under the age of 18 live in homes headed by a grandparent or other relative; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina commends grand-family heads of household – grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins or great grandparents – for their commitment to family and personal sacrifices for the benefit of children in communities throughout our state; people are encouraged to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 20, 2020, as “DAY OF APPRECIATION FOR GRAND-FAMILY HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.