A joint resolution to designate October 1985 as "National Foster Grandparents Month".
PL 99-131 (S.J.Res.92), enacted 10/28/1985

PUBLIC LAW 99-131—OCT. 28, 1985 
99 STAT. 553 
Public Law 99-131 
99th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To designate October 1985 as "National Foster Grandparent Month". 
Whereas the Foster Grandparent Program celebrates its twentieth 
anniversary in 1985; 
Whereas the Foster Grandparent Program, administered by the 
national volunteer agency known as the ACTION Agency, was the 
first Federal program to provide older individuals with opportuni-
ties for retirement to service as an alternative to retirement fi*om 
activity; 
Whereas older individuals participating in the Foster Grandparent 
Program have provided unique, personal guidance and care to 
tens of thousands of physically, emotionally, and mentally handi-
capped children and children who are abused, neglected, in the 
juvenile justice system, or in need of special help; 
Whereas in its first year of operation the Foster Grandparent 
Program established 33 projects in 27 States and involved 782 
Foster Grandparent volunteers; 
Whereas today approximately 19,000 Foster Grandparents are serv-
ing some 65,000 children in 245 projects in the 50 States, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Dis-
trict of Columbia; 
Whereas the growth of the Foster Grandparent Program reflects 
increasing public and institutional awareness of the enormous 
benefit that such Program brings to all who participate in it and 
to the Nation: the volunteers benefit from improved health, in-
creased independence, decreased isolation, and lessened financial 
burdens; and the children who are served make great gains in 
their physical, social, and psychological development, and the love 
of a Foster Grandparent is for many children the first personal 
warmth and concern they have known; 
Whereas the service of Foster Grandparent volunteers represents a 
tremendous return on tax dollars and a great value to the Amer-
ican people; 
Whereas the Foster Grandparent Program is one of the most mean-
ingful social service programs ever developed, providing older 
individuals with opportunities to participate crucially and cre-
atively in community service; and 
Whereas the activities of Foster Grandparent volunteers continue to 
improve the public attitude concerning older individuals and to 
demonstrate the importance of using the expertise of retired 
persons to help solve social problems: Now, therefore, be it 
Oct. 28, 1985 
[S.J. Res. 92]' 
99 STAT. 554 
PUBLIC LAW 99-131—OCT. 28, 1985 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That October 1985 is 
designated as "National Foster Grandparent Month", and the Presi-
dent is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling 
upon all government agencies, interested organizations, community 
groups, and the people of the United States to celebrate the 
twentieth anniversary of the Foster Grandparent Program by 
observing such month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 
Approved October 28, 1985. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 92: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 131 (1985): 
May 3, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 17, considered and passed House.