Youth Perspective

Preventative services could of saved my family and I from being torn apart by the foster care system. Before being taken into state custody, we were homeless for nearly seven months. Seven months of living outside, in dirty motels, couch surfing,... Read more

To have a different perspective about preventive measures, I felt foster care was the most appropriate placement for me because my mother and extended family were not able to give the support and needs in order to be successful as a child. It can be... Read more

I believe life is what you make of it. My name is Amairani Morales. I was born in Mexico City in the town of Distrito Federal. I moved regularly during my childhood; I always thought it was exciting. I was able to live in different states, meet... Read more

We have had many different forms of foster care over time, spanning from orphanages, to half-way-esk homes, to the Orphan Trains, to indentured servitude, to group homes, and all the way to families. One thing that has always -- and still -- remains... Read more

As a blogger and someone who uses social media as a platform to advertise myself, strategic sharing -when on the internet- is very important to me. Although my social media accounts double as business and entertainment, I still find it incredibly... Read more

So far, my three and a half-week experience as a FosterClub All-Star has been one of the most fulfilling and impactful moments in my life to youth in foster care. Specifically, my time spent with the other All Stars in the office and at our duplex... Read more

My All-Star experience has been a little different than I thought it would be which I think (overall) has been for the betterment of myself. See, I live alone, prefer to do homework alone, and even go to the movies alone. My spontaneous Friday night... Read more

Brittney Barros, after living with neglect, entered her first time in care at the age of 11. After struggling for a long time, her mom finally regained custody of Brittney and her siblings. Watching her mom beat drug addiction and getting a stable... Read more

Living with 12 other people between the ages of 18-24 who are all from a different state who have also experienced foster care can be very very very interesting. Being an All Star means you have to live with your coworkers in a three bedroom house... Read more

It’s been 3 weeks into the All-Star experience and it has been passing by really quick! The experience has been challenging and intense for me personally. I am an observant introvert. I am not the best at public speaking but trying to push myself as best as I can. I have been enjoying interacting with the other interns and bonding with them. It’s been interesting to hear about their experiences in care. This internship has given me the opportunity to learn about foster care in other parts of the country to find that each state works differently. I have also learned about other opportunities presented to foster youth as alumni and still in care. This internship has been what I thought it could be and more. I came to the internship with an open mind and have not been disappointed. I have learned to be more flexible and run with the punches just as in life where you do not always know what your day/week will contain. The best part of the internship is being able to relate with the the youth and interacting with them. They have so much energy and drive to do well for themselves, that it is inspiring. The hardest part so far is being able to break out of my shell. I know that takes time and effort. This is an ongoing thing and do not expect things to change overnight. The opportunities have been great so far! I have attended the Dream Conference at Western Oregon University this week. The Youth in Oregon have so much opportunity in pursuing higher education, that it makes me excited for them as they start this journey. All I can say is that this internship has been helpful as I go through my journey of figuring out where my passions are and where I want to be in life. I could not ask for anything more and I am thankful for the opportunity FosterClub has given me to be here. Read more