The Lasting Effects of the System
2024-05-31
I spent my entire childhood in foster homes and group homes, experiencing a constant state of loss—loss of family, of home, and even of self. Aging out of "the system," I couldn't shake that perpetual state of loss. Every step forward often felt like five steps backward. When I asked for help, I was accused of stealing or violating some unwritten social rule. Even making decisions to protect myself led to losing friends. Most recently, I was re-traumatized, nearly losing my daughter to "the system" simply because I ended a dangerous relationship.
While "the system" can be helpful in some cases, its lasting effects can sometimes be debilitating.
As we wrap up this month of foster care awareness, I am grateful for the feedback after sharing some of my experiences in the child welfare system. It has been a long road to get to this point, and my story has surprised many.
After a few false starts, I look forward to sharing more of my story and growing in public. Subscribe on my website to stay updated when I share my time, books, helpful resources, bring back my podcast, and more. Looking forward to connecting with you!