H 4194 Concurrent Resolution, By G. Brown
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE FOSTER PARENTS OF LEE COUNTY AND
 EXPRESS THE GRATITUDE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THESE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS
 FOR OPENING THEIR HEARTS AND HOMES TO THE FOSTER CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE.

   05/31/07  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-8

TO COMMEND THE FOSTER PARENTS OF LEE COUNTY AND EXPRESS THE GRATITUDE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO THESE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS FOR OPENING THEIR HEARTS AND HOMES TO THE FOSTER CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE.

Whereas, during the month of May, which is set aside as Foster Care Awareness Month, it is with humble gratitude that the South Carolina General Assembly reflects on the giving spirits of those dedicated individuals who parent South Carolina's foster children; and

Whereas, among this great State's foster parents, Lee County's servant-hearted foster mothers and fathers stand as noble examples of this worthy calling and deserve the fervent thanks of all South Carolina's citizenry; and

Whereas, in order to obtain their licenses to serve as foster parents, candidates must complete fourteen hours of training and undergo thorough background checks, fire and health inspections, and an intensive home study. Every year, they must take fourteen hours of related training to maintain their licenses, and, except for a small monthly stipend for basic needs, they must provide for their foster children themselves; and

Whereas, foster parents serve the most vulnerable citizens of our communities: abused and neglected children. Included in their responsibilities to the children are providing a safe, nurturing environment, positive role modeling, medical attention, education, and, most important, unconditional love; and

Whereas, although they know their foster children will most likely return to their parents, foster parents commit to the welfare of their charges as if they were their own, working with the children and their parents to help make the transition back home a smooth one and often remaining involved with the families as mentors. And on those rare occasions when reunification with the parents is no longer possible, foster parents give their children one of the greatest gifts of love, adoption; and

Whereas, acknowledging South Carolina's unrecompensable debt to the foster parents of this State, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in recognizing the foster parents of Lee County for their committed care of Lee County's foster children. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, commend the foster parents of Lee County and express their gratitude to these dedicated individuals for opening their hearts and homes to the foster children in their care.

Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be presented to Lee County's foster parents at the Lee County Department of Social Services Foster Parents Appreciation Luncheon on May 19, 2007.