Proclamation 9432-National Foster Care Month, 2016
Issued 2016-04-28 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued a proclamation designating May 2016 as National Foster Care Month. This is a ceremonial declaration that brings national attention to children in foster care and the families and professionals who care for them. The proclamation does not create new laws or impose legal obligations—it simply expresses the President's recognition of this cause on behalf of the nation.
The proclamation highlights that over 400,000 children remain in the foster care system, with tens of thousands aging out before finding permanent families. It notes significant challenges these young people face: only half complete high school by age 18, and less than 5 percent graduate college. Those who age out without a permanent home face higher risks of entering the criminal justice system and greater challenges in completing education, obtaining healthcare, and securing employment.
The proclamation matters because it draws public awareness to foster care issues and recognizes the commitment of foster and adoptive parents. While purely symbolic, it uses the President's platform to call attention to vulnerable children and celebrate the people working to support them. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations like this since George Washington, and they fall within long-established executive tradition requiring no congressional approval.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9432-National Foster Care Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to foster care. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9432—National Foster Care Month, 2016 April 28, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The success of our country tomorrow depends on the well-being of our children today. As a Nation, we have a duty to empower each child so they have the same sense of promise and possibility as any other young person no matter who they are, where they come from, or what their circumstances are. Foster youth deserve the security and strong support structures they need to achieve their dreams. During National Foster Care Month, we lift up our Nation's foster children, celebrate the selfless men and women who embrace children in the foster care system, and we recommit to helping more children find permanency so they can feel stable, grounded, and free to fulfill their limitless potential. With open hearts, families and professionals across America work each day to give foster youth the resources, warmth, and care they need. Over 400,000 children remain in the foster care system, and tens of thousands of youth age out of foster care before they find their forever family. Only half of children in foster care complete high school by age 18, and less than 5 percent graduate college. Young people who