Governor Proclaims Foster Youth Voices Month 2023

WHEREAS, there are more than 11,000 children and youth involved in the foster care system in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is committed to helping our children, youth, and young adults reach their full potential to live safe and healthy lives; and

WHEREAS, youth and young adults involved in the foster care system should have an active role in the decisions that impact their lives; and

WHEREAS, young adults with lived foster care experience should have a voice in advocating for policy and practice changes; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina child welfare agencies support the development of a network of independent, community-based youth councils to give young adults a voice and, with Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SaySo), are uniting to recognize the impact of youth voices; and

WHEREAS, Foster Youth Voice Month is an opportunity for child welfare advocates to elevate youth voices to change their futures and those of generations to come;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2023, as “FOSTER YOUTH VOICES MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.