May is National Foster Care Month--a month where we are intentional about acknowledging children, families, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members in the community who are involved in Foster Care. An important topic, and one worth discussing, is helping children break the stigma associated with being in Foster Care. Considering all the trauma that can be experienced by children within the child-welfare system, foster children might feel as though they are alone. They may feel isolated, with no hope for their futures, and no path to success. In fact, current children in the child welfare system may be comforted to know that they do have a future and a shot for success, as evidenced by the numbers of notable figures throughout history who were involved in the child welfare system.
It may not be common knowledge however, there are several notable figures in history who were involved in the child welfare system. Eddie Murphy, listed as one of the highest-grossing stars in the world, was in foster care after his father was murdered and his mother fell ill. Steve Jobs, Apple founder, was in foster care after his mother terminated her custody. Simone Biles, one of the greatest athletes America has ever known, was in foster care, stating “My birth mother suffered from drug addiction, and when I was just three years old, my siblings and I were removed from her custody. From there, we bounced around until I was six and my grandparents made the brave move to adopt us”.
What can we learn from these individuals who have thrived? We can learn that carving a path and lending hope for a bright future for kids in foster care is possible due to their own resilience. As we know, resilience is one’s ability to get back up after one has been knocked down--to find strength and determination despite all the challenges one is faced with. There are many factors in aiding one’s resilience, from a strong support system to intrinsic values, like self-confidence. Of course, those factors may wax and wane throughout someone’s life, but it is vital to acknowledge that these skills can be learned—you do not have to be born with them.
Kids who have been involved in the child welfare system can be our next tech guru, Olympic athlete, world-famous comedian, or award-winning poet. They can be successful parents, friends, teachers, and mentors. We need only help them hone their skills and tools necessary to build their resilience and carve their path forward.
Quote from: https://foster.today/simone-bi...care-to-the-olympics
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