Emancipate; Leave; Go Away From; Depart; Withdraw Age Out = to reach an age, 18 or 21 years, for example, at which one is no longer eligible for certain special services, such as education or protection, from the state. Emancipate = to free from restriction or restraint, especially social or legal restraint […]
Is This Liberation? Read More »
As I continue to celebrate my April 8th birthday, I want to share 8 things about me you probably didn’t know. I am always thinking. My mind goes nonstop even when I’m on vacation. I’ve always known I would author a book. (Stay tuned) Swamp People is my TV viewing guilty pleasure. I want
8 Things About Nicki Read More »
Today is my birthday – and it is a BIG one! I’m really excited about it. “BIG” birthdays for over 20,000 teens annually means an exit from the foster care rolls whether they are sufficiently prepared to make it on their own or not. On another note, too many other foster children spend too
Birthdays and Foster Care Read More »
The The Child Welfare League of America reports that there are over 400,000 kids in foster care in the US. Children move on average 7 times while in the foster care system. Very often trash bags are the unofficial luggage of children in foster care. They regularly move from place to place with only the
2nd Annual Pack A Backpack Drive Starts Tomorrow Read More »
Every child deserves a loving supportive family. I believe that the ultimate goal of the foster care system is to keep children and teens in a safe family structure. In honor of family and my birthday on April 8th, I am sharing with you my 8 favorite quotes about family. Family is not
Foster Care Is About Family Read More »
Challenge – a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc. During the month of April I am taking part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge where the goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days. In 2012, I only blogged twice a week. At the start of
I Welcomed This Challenge Read More »
Each Thursday in April our blog posts will focus on the theme “Throw-Back Thursday” and I will share past blog posts with you. Today’s Throw-Back Thursday theme is “youth in transition”. When I speak of youth in transition I am speaking of those young people who are just entering adulthood and exiting the
What About Youth In Transition? Read More »
How do children and teens end up in foster care? One clear answer does not exist. There are different reasons that a child or teen may enter the foster care system – family illness, death, incarceration, abandonment, abuse, neglect, unmet mental health needs, substance abuse, and most notably abuse and neglect. Why does child abuse
Prevention Is The Only Way To End Child Abuse Read More »
Any concerned citizen who suspects that a child is being harmed can (and should) report their suspicions to their local child protective services agency or police department. Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline (1.800.4.A.CHILD oor 1.800.422.4453) is another resource. Please remember that these are warning signs (from Administration for Children and Families) and discovering one
What Does Child Abuse and Neglect Look Like? Read More »
There are many titles that fit me, including Youth Advocate, Foster Care Advocate, and Mother. I love humanity. I have a special place in my heart for all people but I believe strongly that children and teenagers deserve special care, consideration, and concern. In a nutshell, that is why I do what do. Today
You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse Read More »