WHEREAS, in the State of Maine, many children reside in formal and informal kinship care; and

WHEREAS, the children of Maine are key to the state's future success, prosperity, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine believes the health and safety of all children are of utmost importance; and

WHEREAS, kinship caregivers can provide the safety and stability that children need to reach their full and most positive potential; and

WHEREAS, kinship care can result in the preservation of cultural identity, community connections, and connections to family members; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to partnering with kinship families, and public and private organizations to prioritize a kin-first culture; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine partners with The Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine Inc. and the Kinship Program, to provide education, material goods, and financial and emotional support to formal and informal kinship families who are the primary caregiver;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim September 2023 as

Kinship Caregiver Month

Throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this sixth day of September Two Thousand Twenty Three