“I am thrilled to announce the launch of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth,” Bachmann said. “Though I am honored to be a United States Representative from the Sixth District of Minnesota, the role I cherish most is that of being a mom to my five biological and 23 foster children. My caucus colleagues and I are working to bring stability, support and permanency to the lives of foster youth across this great nation.”

Other guests appearing during today’s press conference included Janessa Senter, a former foster youth, Judge Patricia Martin, the President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and William Bell, CEO of the Casey Family Program.

Following the press conference, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in a roundtable discussion with other members from the Caucus on Foster Youth and national juvenile and family court judges. During the discussion, members addressed the priorities and challenges juvenile and family court judges face in serving children in foster care.

In hopes to accomplish their mission of advocating on behalf of America’s foster care children, caucus members will also be involved in a Listening Tour across the country. During tour events, caucus members will meet with child welfare directors and foster care service providers in order to understand better how to improve the nation’s foster care system. The Tour had its first listening session in Los Angeles, California on February 24-25, 2012.

To learn more about the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, click here. Click the links to view pictures from today’s press conference and roundtable discussion.