Vol. 18, No. 2 • May 2014

When Young People in Care Get in Trouble with the Law

Sometimes kids in foster care get in trouble with the law. In the last issue of Fostering Perspectives we asked young people to share ideas for what foster parents, social workers, GALs, and others can do to support them when this happens. Here's what they had to say.

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First Place

by Sheyanne, age 17

Sometimes youth in foster care . . . . feel as if foster parents, social workers, GALs, and others don't support them. [You] could help youth in foster care with different aspects of their life, including life at home, school, and possibly social life and finding a job:

• Home Life. DSS can offer help through [extracurricular] activities such as football and piano, etc. They can also offer a safe place to live.
• School Life. Teachers help youth by giving them reasons to show up to school and make the right choices. School also offers structure for youth.
• Jobs. Jobs can help youth learn responsibilities. This can help youth realize what they need and what they want to do with their life. Jobs also help youth learn time management.
• Social Life. This can include "positive" family supports. Some youth in foster care just want to know that someone loves them. Support from the right friends can also help. Having friends that are good role models and support good decisions instead of bad are always good to have.

These are a few of the many ways foster parents, social workers, GALs, and others can help youth stay out of trouble with the law.

Sheyanne will receive $100 for winning first prize in the writing contest.

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Second Place

by Vance, age 16

In my opinion, some children get in trouble and "show out" simply to get attention. Sometimes all we need is for someone to sit us down and show us we have someone who understands and actually cares about what we are going through.

Like me, for instance. My mother has never really supported me when I needed her to. It seems like every day and every night I lie in bed and think about everything that I've been through. So when I ran away recently--which is not a good thing--my mom finally heard my cries for help. So did my whole family. Finally everyone saw how much pain I was in. Now I have more support than I could ever imagine. I don't care who you are, the best feeling in the world is knowing you're not alone and have people to help you through your struggle, lift you up when you're down, and lend a helping hand.

So from my point of view the main thing anyone can do to help any of us in these situations is to show you care. Go out of your way to show me you got my back, no matter what. It means more than you would think.

Vance will receive $50 for winning second prize in the writing contest.

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Third Place

by Sierra, age 16

Adults should take in mind that teenagers in foster care have been through a difficult time; they may act out. If adults would talk to teenagers about their problems and give them support; teenagers would know that someone cares about them. This support may lead to a change of heart.

Adults should think of activities to occupy these teenagers. Adults could show them how to have fun in a positive way. A teenager could express his or herself through sports or activities. An active mind is a healthy mind. Bonding with teenagers will give adults and teens a better understanding of what each person is like.

Adults should guide teenagers in foster care to a better future.

Sierra will receive $25 for winning third prize in the writing contest.

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Honorable Mention

Brittney, age 13

What can foster parents, social workers, GALs, and others do to support children when they get in trouble with the law? They can help you in school and with homework. They can help you find good friends. They can support you by going to court with you and be on your side. They can get you a therapy appointment. You can be on a football or dance team to keep you from getting in trouble.

Brittney will receive $15 for having her work published in Fostering Perspectives.

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Should I Call You MOM?
An excerpt

by Hannah, age 14

Do you remember the day I was born?
Or even the day when we were torn?
I do, but do you?
I love you very much.
But why did you choose drugs and such?
You told me how beautiful I was.
I shouldn't believe you because….
You lie, you steal.
Were you ever real?
Do you mean what you say?
If not, I hope you pay.

You and I have something in common in our past.
Your mom used substances.
So did mine.
You were in Foster Care too.
You see I know this whole thing is not entirely your fault.
In life though we all have choices in what we want our life to be all about.
Even if we have many doubts.
Me, I choose to be successful
And actually make something out of myself.

I wonder what I would be like if you weren't my mom.
Would I still stand strong?
Or am I wrong?
I guess I've reached my decision.
You don't deserve my respect.
And therefore I won't ever ever ever again…
Call you My MOM.

Hannah will receive $15 for having her work published in Fostering Perspectives.

 

Fostering Perspectives' Next Writing Contest First Prize: $100 • Second Prize: $50 • Third Prize: $25

If you are under 18 and are or have been in foster care, please send us a letter or short essay in response to the following: They say that having at least one adult that you feel close to, trust, and can really depend on can make a big difference when you are in foster care. If you have a person like that in your life, tell us a little bit about them and why they're special to you. Deadline: August 5, 2014 Anyone under 21 who is or has been in foster care or a group home can enter. E-mail your submission to [email protected] or send it via U.S. Mail your entry to: John McMahon, Editor Fostering Perspectives Jordan Institute for Families CB#3550 UNC-CH School of Social Work Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3550 Include your name, age, address, social security number (used to process awards only, your confidentiality will be protected) and phone number. In addition to receiving the awards specified above, winners will have their work published in the next issue of Fostering Perspectives. Runners-up may also have their work published, for which they will also receive a cash award.

We’re Also Seeking Artwork and Other Writing from Children and Teens in Foster Care Submissions can be on any theme. Submission requirements described above apply. If sent via U.S. Mail, artwork should be mailed flat (unfolded) on white, unlined paper.

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