Country Music Star and Former Foster Youth Jimmy Wayne to Headline National Foster Care Month Event at Capitol

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Apr 29, 2010, 01:26 ET

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 65,000 children and youth are in California's foster care system, more than any other state in the nation. Approximately 5,500 youth age out of care every year when they turn 18, most without the basic supports of education, employment, housing and a permanent connection to an adult or family who will be there for them as they transition into adulthood and beyond. National Foster Care Month focuses on educating policymakers and the public about their needs.

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WHAT:	Sixth Annual California Capitol Event
	The statewide kick-off to National Foster Care Month in California – an annual event to raise awareness of foster youth needs and honor local programs that "make a difference"

WHEN:	Monday, May 3
	3:00 p.m.

WHERE:	North Steps of the State Capitol

WHO:	-- Country Music Star and Former Foster Youth Jimmy Wayne
	-- Assemblyman Roger Niello
	-- Assemblyman Jim Beall
	-- John Wagner, Director, Department of Social Services
	-- Foster youth and staff from local programs being honored:
	o Courageous Connections Program, Sacramento – helps foster youth graduate from high school and continue their education
	o Family Ties Program, Monterey – champions permanent family and sibling connections for foster youth
	o Incarceration to Success Program, Salinas – provides stable housing and guidance for foster youth in the juvenile justice system

Please note:

Related events on May 3 include the Foster Parents Association Walk-a-thon (9:00 a.m., Capitol North Steps) and reception honoring Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass (5:00 p.m., Capitol North Steps).
Other events throughout the month include a statewide convening of programs working to transform services for youth transitioning out of foster care (May 5-6); observance of Gubernatorial and Legislative resolutions, an adoption and foster care information event (May 15), and exhibits and displays on the Governor's Wall (May 3-9) and Legislative Rotunda (May 1-31) that features artwork by foster youth that expresses their feelings about love and belonging and the Impact of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act.