GENESEO, N.Y., May 22, 2025 — The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed May as Foster Care Month, joining with communities across the country in recognizing the importance of supporting youth and families involved in the foster care system.
In the U.S., more than 340,000 children and youth are currently in foster care, with approximately 18,500 of them aging out of the system without the support of a permanent family each year, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau. In 2021 alone, 77% of eligible youth in foster care, ages 14–21, left care without receiving the federally funded services intended to help them transition to adulthood and independent living.
“These statistics highlight the pressing need for more community involvement,” said County Social Services Commissioner Tracy McCaughey. “Foster parents and supportive community members play an important role in providing stability, guidance, and a nurturing environment for youth in the foster care system. This month, we celebrate those who step forward to support some of our most vulnerable residents and encourage others to consider how they can also make a lasting impact in a child’s life through mentoring, fostering, or simply spreading awareness.”
Locally, Livingston County has a longstanding history of helping those children in need by providing shelter and healthy environments so they may safely reunite with their birth families whenever possible. Foster parents in the County provide the education, healthcare, respect and direction children need to live full, productive lives. They strive to improve the quality of life for children in their care and to make a lasting impact in these children’s lives. This Foster Care Month, the County encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate the valued contributions of foster parents.
The Livingston County Department of Social Services urges County residents interested in playing a supportive role in a young person’s life to reach out for more information today at (585) 243- 7300.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.