MARCH 2018 TOPIC: How can foster parents help you stay healthy?

As a young person in foster care, your foster family or caregiver may help you stay healthy.... or maybe you wished they would have helped you with your health care. For example, maybe you have an ongoing health issue or mental health issue that you've had support with (or wish you would have had better support with). Or maybe a foster parent or caregiver has helped you connect to health care providers or other health resources in your community. Or perhaps you have an idea about how foster parents could be educated to support foster youth with staying healthy or mental health. We want your creative expressions about your own health care experiences with your foster family, what you wish you had, and what it means to you!

HERE'S OUR WINNER: 

"Foster care can be a hard place.  I want you to know you aren't alone. I was only in it for a few months, but it was very challenging. I had to wait for everything to get into place. Foster care was sprung on me in a matter of hours. I had got taken out of my dad's house for neglect. It was very upsetting. I had gotten taken away from my friends and my baby sister. I miss my baby sister, but I know I'm in a better place and that I'm safe now. I have a quote for everyone "Soon when all is well, you will look back on this period of your life and be happy because you never gave up." -unknown. I hope you all will find that one place that makes you happy and comfortable. Thank you and I hope you will find that place."

  — S.P., a 12 year old from Colorado