When I found out I was pregnant, I was 19 and living in foster care. I didn’t want my daughter to be born into the foster care system.
I myself went into care with my sister when I was 4 and she was 1. Growing up, I felt like my little sister and I were alone in this world. We lived in many homes and went through verbal and physical abuse. We … Read More
As a parent advocate at a foster care agency, I work with parents to help them reunify with their children. In ten years of working with families, I’ve seen the positive and negative impact of ASFA.
For children whose parents cannot or will not change their behaviors, and who are lucky enough to find caring adoptive parents, ASFA can provide permanency, stability and a loving family. But for parents who want to … Read More
I have been trying to find new ways to channel my anger. At times, I feel that I have my anger under control and other times I feel like I am going to lose control.
Typical ways that I used to handle my anger? Blowing up, throwing things and saying things that I later wished I could take back.
Just Hurting Myself
One typical moment: years ago, my kids’ father … Read More
I was only 17 when I became pregnant. It was not the happiest moment in my house when I announced my pregnancy. Everyone wished forabortion.
I was terrified of having a baby. But knowing that a little one was inside me gave me a strong feeling of love. I told my family, “It’s my body, my life and I want to keep my baby.”
After Remi was born, I soon … Read More
When I gave birth to my daughter, Lydia, one of the first people I called to tell was Tamara, who adopted two of my older sons from foster care.
Chubs and Little Hector ended up adopted because I was addicted to crack for many years. When Chubs was 2, Children’s Services (ACS) came to my house and took him. I visited him two times. After that, I didn’t go back. I knew … Read More
