Professional Development

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 […]

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

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

SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month – March 2013   Nick N. graduated with his IEP diploma in 2010 and then attended school an additional year to receive his regular diploma in 2011. He is an avid fan of NASCAR, the New York Giants and the New York Yankees.  Nicki enjoys being outdoors.  He works with a

Today’s blog post is dedicated to biological parents and foster parents.    This week begins National Youth Violence Prevention Week.  I know I don’t have to tell you about the terrible epidemic of youth on youth violence and bullying happening in this country.  The media has decided to “educate” us on the problem by reposting

I am a Sesame Street kid who has grown into a Sesame Street adult.  In case I haven’t told you before, I literally love Sesame Street.  There are four things that Sesame Street does amazingly well in its mission to teach preschoolers that those of us working with teens in foster care should take note

We have become a society that sensationalizes pessimism. The local and national news grabs our attention with depressing or shocking stories.  Controversial headlines lace the front pages of our favorite internet search engines.  Political progress has been bogged down with threats of crisis and doom.  Even childhood nursery rhymes have been turned into dark movies

Manuella is a tenth grade student in foster care in the state of New York.  Manuella loves photography, creative writing, soccer, and music.    Manuella is determined to complete high school and attend college in California.  She has her eyes set on higher education in San Francisco.  Manuella plans to become a professional photographer. She

I became a mother in my sophomore year in college.  How could I protect and nurture this little life? I think it’s safe to say that we have grown up together.  The more I learned about myself the more I was able to help my daughter embrace her individuality.  As my passion and purpose became

A goal is the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed.  Setting goals helps you clarify what you want and what you need to do to achieve it.    Today I want to provide you with a template for SMART goal setting with youth.   Related Blog: A Life List Is Better Than A Bucket