BILL NUMBER: ACR 85	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Gordon

                        JUNE 10, 2015

   Relative to medically fragile foster care children.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 85, as introduced, Gordon. Medically fragile foster care
children.
   This measure would designate November 2015 as a month to raise
awareness about the issue of medically fragile foster care children
and the actions that every Californian can take to make a positive
difference in these children's lives.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, Over 60,000 California children are currently in the
foster care system; and
   WHEREAS, A certain subset of the foster care population are
medically fragile children, who are children with physical or
intellectual disabilities or both that require an increased level of
care and support; and
   WHEREAS, The number of foster care children placements, both short
term and long term, currently far exceeds the availability of foster
care parents, making it a challenge to provide foster care homes for
all who need them, and this shortage has reached crisis proportions
in some parts of the state; and
   WHEREAS, It is particularly difficult to place medically fragile
foster care children due to the increased level of care they need;
and
   WHEREAS, Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve his or
her fullest potential in a safe, stable, and loving environment; and
   WHEREAS, There are California families who are stepping up to make
a difference for medically fragile foster care children by opening
their hearts, homes, and lives, but many more are needed; and
   WHEREAS, If greater awareness is raised about this vulnerable
foster care population and the ways that ordinary Californians can
make a difference, this crisis will begin to be averted; now,
therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares November 2015 as a
month to raise awareness about the issue of medically fragile foster
care children and the actions that every Californian can take to make
a positive difference in these children's lives; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.