Foster Care Culture

By doing nothing, you became a part of the foster care system
Not everyone understands this. As you know, you became a part of the foster care system because your parents could not take care of you in a safe and healthy way. It had absolutely nothing to do with you. Now foster care has unexpectedly become a significant part of your life and in turn, a part of your identity.

Your life history
The foster care experience is a part of your personal history and may even replace what semblance of family history you have. You may still be in close touch with your family, however you may have faint memories of other families too - foster families, group homes, transitional housing places and other foster youth. Although some of your experiences in foster care may be filled with disappointment, frustration or anger, it is a stage in your life you will reflect back on as an adult many times. For this reason, taking steps to preserve your memories of it may be something you want to consider.

Lifebooks
Remembering people and places from our childhood gets more challenging as we grow older. Some of us may have pictures to reflect back on or a journal we wrote in. Lifebooks are one common way child welfare workers help keep track of the personal histories of foster youth. If you don't already have one, putting one together for yourself may prove to become one of your most cherished possessions. Some ideas of what to include are:

• descriptions of where you have lived (who was there, when you lived there and perhaps your favorite memories of that place)
• descriptions of who your family members are and things about them
• where did your name come from
• who have been the special people in your life
• what are some of the sad and frustrating times, as well as some of the good times
• how do you feel as you prepare to transition out of care

Educating others
Foster care is not an easy subject to talk about with others. You may not wish to let people know you have been in the foster care system because it's so personal. You may also find it healing to help others understand the foster care system better through sharing your experiences. Not many people get an opportunity to learn about foster care or understand the need to help youth who become a part of it. You can make that difference.

 

 

 

1. What could I ask a former foster parent or caretaker about my childhood?

2. Can I look in my case file for information about my past?

 

 

Foster youth connection

Are you interested in writing about your foster care experience or just life in general? The Mockingbird Society gives youth opportunities to write and report for a community newspaper. For more information, visit Mockingbird Society.