Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026, as Reunification Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1444

BY: M. of A. Rules (Walsh)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        June 2026, as Reunification Month in  the  State  of
        New York

  WHEREAS, All children need the care, love, security and stability of
family  unity,  including  parents,  siblings,  grandparents  and  other
extended family members to  provide  a  solid  foundation  for  personal
growth, development and maturity; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026, as Reunification  Month  in
the  State  of  New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Reunification Month; and

  WHEREAS, Reunification with family  is  the  preferred  outcome  for
children  removed  from  their homes and placed in foster care; for most
children in foster care, reunification with their family is  their  best
option for a permanent and loving home; and

  WHEREAS,  People  looking  to  encourage  family  reunification  may
utilize  strategies  that  build   on   family   strengths,   including:
encouraging   family   engagement;   maintaining   family  and  cultural
connections; connecting families  to  evidenced-based  services  in  the
community; facilitating regular and frequent visits among family members
with the caseworker present; and promoting parent education; and

  WHEREAS,   The   most   effective   foster   caregivers,   encourage
reunification by extending their role beyond supporting the children  in
their  care  to  supporting  the  children's  whole  family,  working to
maintain  positive  partnerships  between  birth  parents,   caregivers,
caseworkers,   and  older  youth  increase  the  chances  of  successful
reunifications; and

  WHEREAS, Reunification takes work,  commitment,  and  investment  of
time  and  resources  by parents, family members, social workers, foster
parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community; and

  WHEREAS, Child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, media,
religious institutions, civic, and service organizations  are  urged  to
commemorate National Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and
activities  in  acknowledgement of the importance of supporting families
and communities; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize   Governor   Kathy   Hochul   to   proclaim  June  2026,  as
Reunification Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted  to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.