Vol. 17, No. 2 • May 2013

How I Felt When I Was Placed in Foster Care

by Haley, age 11

I am currently a foster child. No, there is nothing wrong about being a foster child. There are some pros and cons, though. I've honestly wanted to just get a soft, soft touch of it. It's like being in a candy shop. You have peppermints, chocolate, butterscotch, and dumdum pops. You have a huge variety. I just wanted a taste of everything, not a bite.

In an instant that gentle touch becomes a wild bull. It's a snatch. One moment you're hugging your parents, grandparents, and dog. The next it's just a family you've never met or animals watching you like a rattlesnake. You're just frozen. Time stops and you think, "Why did this happen? What did I do wrong?"

It's like you're sitting near a fire and it catches you.

The first night you're a wreck. You get a tour of your new home. Some children are sheepish. Others aren't bothered by it. After, before, or throughout the tour they introduce themselves. When you talk you're skittish and chewing your fingernails and stuttering out words in a mumble. Then they help you with your bags. Your roommate is known as a foster sibling.

After eating a big dinner and chatting a little you realize, "Hey, this ain't so bad. I'm surrounded by a family that wants to help me." Then your heart slows down into a sleepy beat. You say goodnight and go to bed. A tear or two escapes your eyes every once in a while. You want your dog to jump on your bed and lick you.

Now I am learning to bowl and go to a new school. Being a foster child isn't bad. It's like a vacation. Thank you, my foster family, I greatly appreciate you.

Haley received $15 for having her work published in Fostering Perspectives.

~ Family and Children's Resource Program, UNC-CH School of Social Work ~