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Oregon: Youth Like Me, Who Have Left Foster Care Without Family, Have What It Takes To Succeed, But We Can’t Do It Alone Especially Now

By jaleesasuell — Jul 9, 2020 (pinned)

I spent six years in foster care, and although difficult in many ways, that time during my youth gave me the resilience, passion and drive for the life I have now. I consider myself one of the foster care success stories. But, I can’t imagine if... Read more

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Webinar Recording & Recap: A Historic Opportunity to Reform the Child Welfare System: Youth & Alumni Priorities on Quality Residential Services

By jaleesasuell — Jul 8, 2020 (pinned)

On July 2, 2020, The National Foster Care Youth and Alumni Council hosted a webinar to discuss their 2020 Priorities: A Historic Opportunity to Reform the Child Welfare System: Youth & Alumni Priorities on Quality Residential Services Webinar... Read more

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Minnesota: Living Through This COVID-19 Pandemic Is Like Reliving My Time In Foster Care

By jaleesasuell — Jun 29, 2020 (pinned)

As a young adult who spent nearly 8 years in foster care before aging out, you’d think I’d be used to feeling like my life is out of my control. Living in foster care means never knowing what the day will bring and what will happen next. And, living... Read more

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How Illinois DCFS And ILP Are Helping Young People During The COVID-19 Crisis

By jaleesasuell — Jun 24, 2020 (pinned)

Independent Living Programs (ILPs) across the country are responding to increased requests for assistance from young people from foster care, according to a recent poll by FosterClub . In normal times ILPs help young people from foster care navigate... Read more

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Los Angeles, CA: Just Like That, My Transition To Adulthood Became Even More Difficult

By jaleesasuell — Jun 23, 2020 (pinned)

More than anything I want to create a world where youth in foster care don’t have to fear being alone and not having a place to live. That’s why I’m attending Cal State Los Angeles, studying to become a social worker. In fact, just before the... Read more

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From Louisiana: Living through COVID reminds me of foster care: social isolation, constant changes and lack of control

By jaleesasuell — Jun 18, 2020 (pinned)

The COVID-19 crisis has turned everyone’s lives upside down. But for young people who have experienced foster care who are transitioning to adulthood, this crisis is hitting especially hard. I consider myself a success story, one of the resilient 3... Read more

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Young leader gives statement at the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth Virtual Briefing

By jaleesasuell — Jun 3, 2020 (pinned)

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth hosted a briefing on COVID-19 and its impact on child welfare to explore the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable young people and their families. Aliyah Zeien , a registered social... Read more

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