ATLANTA – State Representative Erica Thomas (D-Austell) will celebrate Georgia Foster Care and Adoption Day on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Established by House Resolution 839 during the 2019 legislative session, Georgia Foster Care and Adoption Day seeks to bring awareness to Georgia’s foster care and adoption programs.
“Georgia Foster Care and Adoption Day stands with the children and families in the foster care program,” said Rep. Thomas. “Foster children continue to be one of the most vulnerable populations in our state, and too many children are left without adequate care and a place to call home. Because of the foster care program, we are able to find loving, safe and stable homes for Georgia’s foster children.”
During the 2019 legislative session, Rep. Thomas introduced HR 839 to recognize Georgia Foster Care and Adoption Day at the Capitol and to commend the children, families and professionals that are impacted by foster care. In February 2019, there were 13,872 children in foster care in the state. The program includes children from a wide variety of backgrounds, situations and races and are up to 18 years old. Children with special needs, including teenagers, siblings and children with physical, emotional or behavioral disabilities, are in most need of homes in the state. The average turnover rates for Georgia’s child welfare workers is 32 percent and nearly 30 percent in metro area counties, and for this reason, HR 839 commends the dedication of those who commit their careers to serving foster children. HR 839 also recognizes that trauma can occur by removing a child from his or her home, school and/or community because of a lack of foster care housing within the area nearby.
In addition to celebrating Georgia Foster Care and Adoption Day, Rep. Thomas will host a “Fashion for Foster Care” event on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
For more information about the “Fashion for Foster Care” event, please contact Rep. Thomas’ office at 404-656-7859.
For more information on HR 839, please click here.
Representative Erica Thomas represents the citizens of District 39, which includes portions of Cobb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and currently serves as House Minority Caucus Vice Chairman. She also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice, Retirement and Science and Technology committees.
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