Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska’s 2nd District and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California’s 37th District, both co-chairs of the bipartisan Foster Youth Caucus, have reintroduced a resolution in Washington, D.C. to recognize National Kinship Care Month. The resolution aims to strengthen kinship care and promote permanency for foster youth.
Kinship care refers to children in foster care being placed with relatives or close family friends rather than non-related foster parents. According to research cited by the caucus, these placements can improve behavioral and mental health outcomes, help maintain connections with siblings and grandparents, and counter negative child and adult outcomes. The resolution acknowledges the more than 300,000 children in foster care and over two million kinship caregivers across the country.
“Research shows that Kinship care for children helps with placement stability and improves the child’s well-being, behavioral, and mental health outcomes,” said Rep. Bacon. “If we start to change the way we view foster care children, we can limit their time in the system. This resolution reminds us that kinship placement is a significant first step to decrease the number of children in care; give them a way to stay connected to their families; and reduce some of the trauma during the removal process.”
“As Co-Chair of the Foster Youth Caucus, I know that foster children thrive best when cared for by relatives or trusted family friends in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “That’s why I’m proud to champion this legislative package to honor kinship care and support lasting, permanent homes for foster youth. By breaking down the barriers to kinship guardianship, we can help young people stay connected to their roots while giving them the strong foundation they need to grow, succeed, and build bright futures.”
Other members of Congress also voiced support for recognizing kinship caregivers’ contributions.
“Supporting kinship care is a critical part of ensuring that all children can grow up in stable and loving homes,” said Rep. Scanlon. “But families are often overwhelmed by the barriers they face to get the resources they need to care for younger relatives when their parents are unavailable. I saw this firsthand while working for decades as a child advocate, representing families struggling to overcome legal, financial, and emotional challenges while providing kinship care. I am proud to join my fellow Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth in recognizing September 2025 as National Kinship Care Month to celebrate the committed and nurturing family members who step up to care for children in their life.”
“As a father of six who adopted two children through the foster system, I’ve seen firsthand the love and sacrifice it takes to give a child a forever home,” said Rep. Nunn. “Kinship Care Month recognizes the relatives, friends, and trusted neighbors who step up to ensure kids have the stability and sense of belonging they deserve.”
“Behind every child in kinship care is a family member who never planned for this role but took it on without hesitation,” said Rep. Houchin. “Families who step up for children in need often do so quietly and without the expectation of any support. National Kinship Care Month is one small way to recognize the invaluable role they play.”
The resolution is co-led by Representatives Gwen Moore (WI), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA), Don Bacon (NE), Erin Houchin (IN), and Zach Nunn (IA).
Don Bacon has represented Nebraska’s 2nd District since 2017 after succeeding Brad Ashford (source). He was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 and currently resides in Papillion (source). Bacon graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BA degree before earning another degree from University of Phoenix.
