Survive = to continue to exist or live after
Profanity, nonchalant attitudes, defiant behavior, substance abuse, unprotected sex, sexting, lack of motivation, seclusion, running away, and a dozen other actions by teenagers can be symptoms of serious health and mental health conditions. These behaviors should not be ignored but they may also be coping mechanisms utilized by a young person who has endured trauma, uncertainty, and disappointment. I’m not making excuses for any of the negative behaviors listed above. What I want is for you to put yourself in the shoes of a teenager who may be filled with fear, anger, and loneliness. Take a second to try and recall a time when you looked at someone’s situation and said to yourself “I couldn’t have done that” or “I don’t know how they made it”, or “I really feel for them”. The strength and perseverance in many teens in foster care is to be encouraged and celebrated. We can express joy and gratitude when youth survive life’s challenges but it is time for our young people to thrive.
Thrive = to grow vigorously; flourish; to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances
What teens in foster care need in order to thrive is to be loved, appreciated, and supported. You can be a part of the solution.
Six Ways To Love, Appreciate, and Support Teens In Foster Care:
- Open your home to a teen in need of a permanent family – become a foster or adoptive parent.
- Nominate a teen in foster care for our SPOTLIGHT Teen of the Month
- Provide a job, internship, or apprenticeship to a teen in foster care.
- Donate money to an organization that provides direct services to teens in foster care
- Show your family, friends, and coworkers ways that they can get involved with teens in foster care.
- Read Our Blog: I Am Unable to Adopt or Foster, Now What?
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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