Leroy S. is a high school junior in Texas. He has been in foster care for about five years. Leroy will graduate as a high school junior this year. The demand for more self-experienced youth workers motivated him to expedite his graduation so that he can help other teens and children who are and will be in his situation. He also wants to set a good example for his younger siblings to follow. Staff at Leroy’s high school supported him and helped him push through the fear so that he can achieve his goal. Leroy will attend college to pursue a double major in Criminal Justice and Social Work with a minor in Broadcast Journalism. He is currently taking two college courses in Social Work. Leroy also plans to obtain a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Social Work so that he can advocate for foster youth nationwide and then globally.
Leroy is smart, self-motivated, self-determined, responsible and very well organized. He wants to help other children and teens who may be facing struggles and hardships. He wants them to know that anyone who has faced struggles like him can overcome them and succeed in life. Leroy enjoys going to school and learning about the criminal justice system and US History. He is the former President of the Youth Leadership Council for Child Protective Services in his county where he advocated for all the children in the child welfare system. He dedicates his free time to researching ways to help improve the community so that he can give his full support to issues affecting foster youth.
Leroy gives of himself to help eliminate the suffering of children in the current foster care system. Leroy’s ultimate goal is to keep all families together, safe, and protected. He believes that we should create more prevention programs so that children won’t be removed from their schools and culture in the first place.
Leroy’s advice to other foster youth is to continue their education because they can do it. “Just because we are foster kids doesn’t mean that we aren’t important, in fact, we are survivors”, he says. To any students who want to graduate from high school early, Leroy recommends that they take challenging courses to prepare them for post-secondary education, get extra help when needed, and adjust your schedule to take part in fun or relaxing activities to help relieve stress.
You may also want to read: SPOTLIGHT on Nick N.
Help eliminate negative stereotypes of teens in foster care by nominating a teen for our SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month recognition. The Teen Toolbox SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month award recognizes a youth (14-21) in the foster care system that is leading a life of promise and making a positive impact in his or her community. Nominations accepted on a continuous basis. #STOTM
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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