Today was the third annual Foster Youth Shadow Day. Jacqueline of Duluth, MN was my shadow. She is an alumna of the Minnesota foster system, having been in care from 6 months to age 17. I appreciated hearing about her experience aging out of the system, her relationship with herfamily, her educational goals, and what she hopes Congress will address to improve the lives of those still in the system. This wonderful young woman has a such a giving heart. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.
Nearly 400,000 children and youth are in Foster Care in the US. This month is a time to raise awareness about the strengths and weaknesses of the care system; the issues faced by children in care or adopted from care or transitioning out of the system; and to celebrate all the children and those who make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Shadow Day came at the end of a successful Foster Care Month. Throughout the month of May, we highlighted an issue that is near and dear to my heart—foster care.
Although May has come and gone, I hope you will join my colleagues and me in advocating for America’s forgotten kids.