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Adopt a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Solano County
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution recognizing May 2026 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
Since 1988, the month of May has been designated nationally to recognize foster care providers, referred to as Resource Families in the State of California, and their dedication to caring for children during their most traumatic days. During this time, the focus has shifted to prevention and care by promoting well-being and offering resources through community involvement, targeted support services, and collaborative relationships that keep foster children cared for and safe.
Recognition of Foster Care Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight the importance of stable, loving homes for children in the foster care system and to acknowledge the dedication of foster parents, caregivers, and other professionals who support foster children. The theme for 2026 is “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities.” This theme reflects Solano County’s ongoing commitment to placing children and youth at the center of every decision, connecting them with supportive adults, and creating meaningful pathways toward stability and well-being.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with the preparation of the resolution are included in the Board’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
According to point-in-time data from the California Child Welfare Indicators Project as of October 1, 2025, there were 37,577 children and youth in foster care across California. As of February 2026, Solano County Child Welfare Services served 328 youth in foster care, ensuring their safety, permanency, and well-being. Foster care is a temporary, court-supervised service designed to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and youth who cannot remain safe in their homes. Caregivers in the foster care system complete licensing and training to prepare them to provide stable shelter, support, and nurturing care.
In California, this licensing process is known as Resource Family Approval (RFA). RFA involves a thorough assessment and training process for both relative and non-relative caregivers to ensure they are equipped to meet the needs of children and youth who have experienced trauma. Through this process, caregivers gain the tools and understanding necessary to help children heal, grow, and feel supported during their time in care.
Resource Families are essential partners and play a critical role in the lives of children and youth who require out-of-home care by offering stability, nurturing, and connection during times of uncertainty. When out-of-home placement is needed to ensure a child’s safety, Solano County Child Welfare Services (CWS) makes diligent efforts to identify, consider, and assess relatives, close family friends, and others with strong ties to the child as the primary placement option.
Prioritizing these relationships reflects the dedication to a kin-first culture, one that recognizes the value of preserving family connections whenever possible. Kinship care has been shown to reduce trauma, increase placement stability, and support a child’s sense of belonging, culture, and identity. Maintaining these bonds helps ensure that youth remain rooted in the communities, traditions, and relationships that matter most to them.
When relatives or kin are not available to serve as caregivers, CWS proactively recruits, trains, and supports Resource Families who can keep children connected to their schools, neighborhoods, cultures, and support networks. These caregivers provide safe, nurturing environments where children can grow and heal. The purpose of a Resource Family is not only to meet a child’s basic needs, but also to provide a strong sense of safety, permanence, and emotional well-being.
By engaging young people, building strong support systems, and strengthening opportunities for every child, Solano County continues its commitment to helping young people thrive within families and communities that understand and value them.
As of February 2026, Solano County had 215 approved Resource Homes caring for Solano County children in placement. According to data from the California Child Welfare Indicators Project, in California 40.9% of first foster care placements between October 2024 and September 2025 were with relatives or kin. During that same period, 54.5% of Solano County foster youth spent most of their placement time with relatives or kin highlighting Solano’s commitment to supporting its children and youth.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt the resolution. This is not recommended because it is an opportunity for the Board to recognize the importance of raising the public’s awareness of foster care and to recognize the contribution of Resource Families in caring for Solano County’s most vulnerable children.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION