WHEREAS, foster care is intended to be a short-term intervention for children who need the safety and security of an out-of-home placement; the preferred outcome for these children is to safely reunify with their families; and
WHEREAS, 1,402 children in 2022 successfully reunified with their families in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, authentic, meaningful collaboration with families involved with child welfare, courts, service providers, and community members is vital to support the reunification of children and families; and
WHEREAS, research shows when children can safely return to their families, they are more likely to succeed in school and social settings, experience better mental health outcomes, and maintain connections to extended family and cultural identities; and
WHEREAS, the families who overcome an array of challenges of separation to reunify successfully should be supported and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals, communities, and public and private organizations working to increase public awareness of the need to support children, youth, and families on the path to reunification; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages service, civic, and religious organizations, as well as child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, and individuals, to join in commemorating National Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of supporting our families and communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June, 2023, as “NATIONAL REUNIFICATION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.