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Resolution: Over-Representation of Latinos in Foster Care - Pathway to California Prison System

Whereas, over 52% of children and youth in foster care in California are Latino, resulting in a pathway for many to California's Juvenile Justice System, and eventually to the California prison system, homelessness and despair; and

Whereas, Santa Clara and Orange Counties marked overrepresentation of Latinos in foster care are 64% and 62%,respectively; and

Whereas, California LULAC urged the California State Assembly Select Committee on Foster Care to hold a special hearing on Latinos in foster care; and

Whereas, the Assembly Committee on Foster Care held a hearing on Latinos in foster care at McDonald Hall, Our Lady of Guadalupe in east San Jose, where Cesar Chavez began to organize the Community Service Organization (C.S.O.); and

Whereas, California LULAC State Director Benny Diaz testified at this hearing, and urged introduction of legislation to eliminate over-representation of Latinos in foster care; and

Whereas, California LULAC co-sponsored AB 1611 on ethnic disparities in foster care, by Assemblyman Jim Beall and State Senator Elaine Alquist, and also co-sponsored by the Dolores Huerta Foundation and La Raza Roundtable de California; and

Whereas, over-representation of Latinos in foster care is a civil rights issue;

Therefore, be it resolved that LULAC commends Assemblyman Jim Beall for his holding historic legislative hearing on Latinos in foster care, and for introducing AB 1611, with State Senator Elaine Alquist, a bill requiring elimination of overrepresentation of Latinos in foster care by providing alternatives diversions from foster care.

Approved this 30th day of June 2012.

Margaret Moran
LULAC National President