OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire has proclaimed May as Foster Care Month, honoring Washington's 6,000 foster parents and relative caregivers who provide safe and stable homes for abused and neglected children.

The national event, spearheaded by Casey Family Programs, pays tribute to foster families and others who care for and about children. The activities also raise awareness about the need for more caregivers to step forward and provide children safe and caring homes during times of crisis in their own lives.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is partnering with Casey and other children's advocates to plan events across the state throughout the month.

"On behalf of all Washingtonians, I am very grateful for the dedication of all those who bring these children into their homes and their hearts, working to provide them with a stable foundation for the future," Gregoire said.

Cheryl Stephani, DSHS assistant secretary in charge of the Children's Administration said, "Foster parents and family caregivers provide safe and stable homes so these children can heal, while their parents get the services they need to eventually reunite the family."

Washington has about 9,600 children in care at any given time, including children in family foster care and those taken care of by relatives who are licensed as foster parents.

Casey Family Programs is planning a number of events throughout the month. On Monday, May 15, state officials, foster parents, former foster children and other also will gather in Olympia for a celebration at the Legislative Building. Supreme Court Justice Bobbe Bridge, a long-time advocate for children's issues, will keynote the event. She will recognize specific foster parents from around the state and those in state government who support children. Speakers will include those who have been in foster care.

Events are scheduled at the Space Needle in Seattle, celebrating Foster Care Month and Casey Family Programs' 40th

anniversary. The May 6th event at the Space Needle will focus on recruitment of foster parents. May 13 will focus on young people in transition from foster care and May 20 will center on the many ways adults can help children without becoming foster parents.

An appreciation event attended by 230 foster parents was held in Spokane in late April. The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in south Seattle also hosted an event with the YMCA of Greater Seattle to thank foster parents. Many other events are planned around the state.

What: Foster Care Month Celebration

Where: Columbia Room, Legislative Building

When: 10 a.m., May 15, 2006

All are invited

For more information about becoming a foster parent, call 1-800-760-5340