Youth Perspective
Blog

By shannonsymonds — Sep 11, 2018

I attribute my life and success to an important provision granting Medicaid to former foster youth (FFY) until they reach age 26. Maslow proposed that if basic physiological needs like air, water, sleep, and shelter aren’t met, it can be hard to... Read more

Tagged:
Health care
Youth Perspective
Blog

By ShelliG99 — Sep 10, 2018

In my childhood and early adolescence I had never had a supportive person that gave me hope or encouragement. Throughout my life I had heard horror stories of foster care. It was something I feared more than the situation I was in with my own family... Read more

Tagged:
Family relationships
Permanence
Youth Perspective
Blog

By Catherine — Sep 6, 2018

This year, 2018, I was chosen to attend and represent FosterClub at Daniel Memorial’s 31st Annual National Independent Living Conference in San Antonio, Texas. During my All-Star internship, I had come to recognize Seaside, Oregon as home. It was... Read more

Tagged:
Transition (aging out)
Youth Perspective
Blog

By shannonsymonds — Aug 30, 2018

Just ask Google. Youth share everything everywhere. I chat, post, blog, and message. When we want to know something, we google, Facebook, and search. Every bill I have, my work, my education, and everything I care about is in my back pocket on my... Read more

Tagged:
Health care
Youth Perspective
Blog

By APetite1 — Aug 20, 2018

Two members of the National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council traveled to Denver in mid- July, connecting with state legislators for the National Conference of State Legislatures first ever Child Welfare Fellows Program. Kodi Baughman and... Read more

Youth Perspective
Blog

By Catherine — Aug 17, 2018

Noel Anaya, a foster alumni and staff person at Youth Radio , wrote an article highlighting the similarities between foster youth and immigrant families being separated. Anaya shares his personal experiences with familial separation, and speaks to... Read more

Tagged:
Rights in foster care
Youth Perspective
Blog

By ShelliG99 — Aug 13, 2018

A team brings more than just support during an activity, they bring safety, comfort, and hope. My team, a group of All-Stars, called ourselves the DREAM team. From my experience with youth, I’ve found it difficult to find a place to belong in their... Read more

Tagged:
Education
Youth Perspective
Blog

By YeshiV — Aug 13, 2018

There are great trees filled with leaves that are very beautiful, gorgeous, and precious. Each leaf is shaped uniquely, and it is astounding to notice how, although they are each different, they complement one another with their different shapes and... Read more

Tagged:
Sibling separation
Youth Perspective
Blog

By sillychild18 — Aug 8, 2018

I do not let money stand in my way and neither should you. Health care and educational funding should be available for everyone, including foster youth, until age 26. As foster youth, we are like all youth: anxious to be out and on our own. However... Read more

Tagged:
Health care
Higher education
Transition (aging out)
Youth Perspective
Blog

By TheBrightPhoenix — Aug 8, 2018

People say, “brothers are forever." That they will, “always be by your side, no matter what.” Of course that's what they say; it's just hard to believe. It's hard to believe when your brother is on the other side of the state. I am 18 years old and... Read more

Tagged:
Family relationships
Sibling separation