H.Res. 1233

119 HRES 1233 IH: Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-04-29
 text/xml
 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 IV  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. RES. 1233  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   April 29, 2026   Mr. Nunn of Iowa  (for himself,  Ms. Moore of Wisconsin , and  Mr. Bacon ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the  Committee on Education and Workforce    RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the recognition of April as National Foster Sibling Connections Month.
Whereas sibling relationships are among the most important bonds in human development, contributing to children’s emotional stability and long-term well-being;
Whereas for children who experience abuse, neglect, or instability, sibling relationships often serve as their most consistent source of support and belonging;
Whereas, when children enter foster care, the preservation of sibling relationships is critical to maintaining permanency, reducing trauma, and driving successful outcomes;
Whereas it is estimated that approximately 53 to 80 percent of children in foster care are separated from at least 1 sibling;
Whereas research demonstrates that sibling separation in foster care is associated with increased placement instability, behavioral challenges, and adverse mental health outcomes;
Whereas current child welfare data systems often fail to accurately track sibling separations, particularly in cases involving adoption, resulting in a systemic undercounting of the scope and impact of this issue;
Whereas this data gap limits the ability of policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to understand and address the harms caused by sibling separation fully;
Whereas it is within the national and moral interest of the United States to make progress in ensuring that no child is separated from their siblings;
Whereas advocates across the United States are working to advance policies and practices that prioritize sibling placement, visitation, and lifelong connection; and
Whereas increased awareness of sibling separation in foster care would elevate the voices of foster care alumni and promote policies that prioritize maintaining and restoring sibling relationships: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
expresses support for the recognition of National Foster Sibling Connections Month;
(2)
acknowledges the critical importance of sibling relationships for children and youth in foster care;
(3)
encourages Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies to prioritize policies and practices that promote sibling placement and lifelong connection;
(4)
supports efforts to improve data collection and transparency regarding sibling relationships and separations in foster care; and
(5)
calls upon policymakers, child welfare professionals, advocates, and the public to raise awareness of and address the needs of siblings impacted by foster care.