Fostering Advocates Arizona

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The Importance of Sibling Bonds

September 20, 2018 by FAAZ Blog Leave a Comment

Children in the foster care system often feel isolated and have a loss of identity. They may feel scared, angry, guilty, or confused. We often turn to our siblings, who have a shared experience, to work through these feelings. It’s critical the system and the community do everything possible to ensure siblings are placed together if removed from their home.

After entering the foster care system, my eight siblings and I leaned on each a lot for support. The judge handling our case pushed for permanency for all of us, with the goal of getting us out of group homes and into a foster family. At first, the foster family was only interested in my older sisters but soon changed their mind when they were told about all of us. They took in the oldest girls but had to wait until my younger siblings were old enough to be in accordance with the families licensing agreement. While I eventually ended up being separated from some of my siblings while in care, I was grateful that at least at one point we were all together.

While in foster care, I also had a younger brother who was eventually adopted. While this was very hard for me at first, but I eventually, I found comfort knowing he would be happier and healthier with loving parents.

It is important for foster families to take in sibling groups as a priority. If that is not possible visitation amongst siblings should be guaranteed and supported by all placement types. When siblings must be separated, placement proximity should be considered. There should be as little distance as possible between homes to ensure ease of visitation. Foster parents should always work with other placements to develop a visitation schedule for siblings. This may involve speaking with caseworkers and advocating for the youth.

It is also important to be empathetic to the young people in your care. While you may not truly understand the situation, the youth is going through, understanding they are processing a lot of emotions and need to feel welcome and part of the family. The loss of parents and siblings can make youth feel very isolated, especially if the foster family has biological children. I recommend taking simple actions like acknowledging when the children in your care have done something positive and showing appreciation for help around the house. Simple acts of kindness like taking us to a movie or having a board game night can go a long way! We just want to feel like a part of the family as much as possible.

-Ashley, FAAZ YALB member

Filed Under: Youth Rights Tagged With: Ashley, foster families, sibling rights, siblings

Keeping Youth Connected

September 7, 2018 by FAAZ Blog Leave a Comment

Young people in foster care face a lot of educational challenges, including moving schools frequently, losing connections with close friends, and disruptions in academic plans. Foster families, however, can make this transition easier by listening to youth and helping them maintain connections during this time.

I entered the foster care system at age of ten. I experienced several placements, including group homes, foster homes, as well as some kinship placements. While I was able to stay at the same middle school, once I entered high school, I began moving schools once every few months. From freshman to sophomore year I was forced to switch school seven different times. This made it hard to make new friends, as I knew my time at a school would always be temporary. I didn’t get along with my teachers and never felt like I was living up to my full potential. The most difficult part was the lack of communication I had with anyone regarding these frequent changes. One foster parent showed concern for me during this time. She worked hard to make sure I could go out with friends and have normal experiences.

I stayed connected to my best friend from middle even during this time. Although there were challenges, being able to call or visit him was really important to me. I remember when I could visit him, I would look out the window of the group home van and see him with the biggest smile on his face, happy that I could visit. It was much different than when we saw each other every day in middle school, but it was exciting and meaningful when we were able to visit. It was this friendship that allowed me to eventually find permanency, as my friend’s mother adopted me into their family. It was through the support of my other placements that I was able to maintain this relationship.

All young people deserve permanent connections. Friendships serve as important long-term relationships. To help assist youth with these relationships, foster families must communicate with youth in their care. Ask us who is important in our lives and help us stay in contact with them, whether it is through in-person visits or phone calls. Ask us what school we go to and if we would like to stay there. Advocate for our best interest; to make it possible help us advocate for ourselves and work with our case specialist to find the best solutions.  Our case plan is not set in stone. You are functioning as a parent, and just like a biological parent, you can and should speak up for the wants and needs of the youth in your care for.

-Maria, FAAZ YALB member

Filed Under: Education, Youth Rights Tagged With: connections, education, foster families, friendship, Maria, school, school transitions

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Employment.

September 24, 2015 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

I Speak Employment

“We have a family atmosphere at The Refuge” said John Strawn, general manager of The Refuge restaurant and café . During my afternoon visit the staff and customer interaction was friendly and welcoming. The restaurant is owned and operated by Catholic Charities Community Services of Phoenix and through their Youth Vocational Training Program at The Refuge, they provide refugees and at risk youth job training skills.

I was eager to visit the Phoenix café and meet with Bianca Rivers, who is employed in their Youth Vocational Training Program, and who also happens to be a Fostering Advocates Arizona Board Member.

BianaActionCollage

Danielle Heyer, Director of the Youth Training Program, got Bianca started in the program that offers young adults, ages of 19-23, a jump-start on job training and leadership skills to prepare them for long-term employment. Young adults earn wages while also learning and practicing customer service, budgeting, resume building, and interviewing.

“Our program is catered to each youth and we actively make an effort to provide program participants learning opportunities that fit with their needs and passions” said Heyer. For Bianca, the program was catered to her passion for baking. When Bianca began the program she was quiet and often kept to herself, but that didn’t last long. “After starting the program I realized that I’m actually very outgoing and funny, and I enjoy having conversations and building relationships with our customers” said Bianca.

Since the program’s beginning in 2014, The Refuge has employed 14 young people through collaboration with Valley youth-serving organizations. “We are a stepping stone and a resource for refugees and at risk youth,” said Heyer. “Once they leave our program we maintain contact with them. Our door is always open to alumni of our program, even if they are just coming for a visit and a cup of coffee”.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Advocacy, Aging Out, News, Youth Rights

I Speak Change.

June 24, 2015 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

ISpeakChange

“My first month in the care of DCS was one of my most uncertain. New to my group home and only having met my case manager once, I had no idea I had access to legal supports when I needed help! If I had my own nifty ‘Know Your Rights’ Adrian_Megaphoneposter, I could have been aware I had rights as a youth in foster care and an attorney to defend them. For the first time since my case opened, I now meet with my attorney and Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) regularly. I’m legally able to empower myself and affect my case. If you’re still unsure about your rights as a young person in care, talk to your DCS Specialist and check out our ‘Know Your Rights‘ infographic from our PDF Library!“

Filed Under: Advocacy, Youth Rights Tagged With: Children's Action Alliance, Foster Care, Foster Care Aluumni, Foster Care Young Adults, Foster children, foster youth, Fostering Advocates Arizona, I Speak Change, Rights of Foster Children and Youth

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