AJR71: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3494/1

SRM:eev:ev

2013 - 2014 LEGISLATURE

2013 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 71

November 4, 2013 - Introduced by Representatives Kolste, Bewley, Hebl, Barnes, Pasch, Danou, Johnson, Mason, Spiros, Jorgensen, Tittl, Murphy, Doyle, Goyke, Stroebel, Genrich, Sargent, Bernard Schaber, Jacque, Berceau, Shankland, Thiesfeldt, Wright, Clark, Kooyenga, Vruwink, Pope, Ohnstad, Zamarripa, Ringhand, A. Ott and Hintz, cosponsored by Senators T. Cullen, Carpenter, Risser, L. Taylor, Lehman, Schultz, Harris and Lassa. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR71,1,1 Relating to: Wisconsin Adoption Month.

AJR71,1,5 Whereas, since 1995, American presidents have proclaimed each November as National Adoption Month and have asked the people of the United States to observe the month by answering the call to find a permanent and caring family for every child in need and by supporting the families that care for them; and

AJR71,1,8 Whereas, in Wisconsin in 2010, 1,159 foster children in Wisconsin were waiting to be adopted and these children risk reaching adulthood without permanent families of their own; and

AJR71,1,11 Whereas, foster care was intended to be temporary, but many Wisconsin children remain in foster homes for long periods, the average length of stay in foster care being more than three and a half years; and

AJR71,1,14 Whereas, older children in Wisconsin are less likely to be adopted than younger ones, the average age of adopted children being 6.2 years while the average age of children waiting to be adopted is 7.7 years; and

AJR71,2,2 Whereas, in 2010, 410 children in Wisconsin became too old to continue in foster care without having been adopted by a permanent, legal family; and

AJR71,2,4 Whereas, a permanent family plays an important role in helping young adults take their places in society; and

AJR71,2,7 Whereas, providing stable homes and an opportunity for happiness and success for children who have been displaced through no fault of their own is a commendable act that benefits not only those children and the adopting families but all of us; and

AJR71,2,9 Whereas, it is in the best interest of our state and its people to encourage and promote adoption; now, therefore, be it

AJR71,2,13 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the legislature proclaims November 2013 as Wisconsin Adoption Month, commends adoptive families past, present, and future, and celebrates successful adoptions throughout our state.

AJR71,2,14 (End)