K 633: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Reunification Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 633 BY: M. of A. Walsh MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Reunification Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, All children need the care, love, security and stability of family unity, including parents, siblings, grandparents and other extended family members to provide a solid foundation for personal growth, development and maturity; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Reunification Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Reunification Month; and WHEREAS, Reunification with family is the preferred outcome for children removed from their homes and placed in foster care; for most children in foster care, reunification with their family is their best option for a permanent and loving home; and WHEREAS, People looking to encourage family reunification may utilize strategies that build on family strengths, including: encouraging family engagement; maintaining family and cultural connections; connecting families to evidenced-based services in the community; facilitating regular and frequent visits among family members with the caseworker present; and promoting parent education; and WHEREAS, The most effective foster caregivers, encourage reunification by extending their role beyond supporting the children in their care to supporting the children's whole family, working to maintain positive partnerships between birth parents, caregivers, caseworkers, and older youth increase the chances of successful reunifications; and WHEREAS, Reunification takes work, commitment, and investment of time and resources by parents, family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community; and WHEREAS, Child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, media, religious institutions, civic, and service organizations are urged to commemorate National Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities in acknowledgement of the importance of supporting families and communities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Reunification Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.