A month in the life of a foster child.

Dear Friend,

There are over 5,000 children in Nebraska’s foster care system. These children entered foster care through no fault of their own and have been abused and neglected.

During Foster Child Awareness Month, we would like to help you understand the life of a foster child. We will be looking at one girl’s journey throughout the month of May and what life is like for her.

Jill is 14 years old and has been in care for six years. She was separated from her brother and sister three years ago when an old foster mother decided to adopt her siblings, but didn’t feel she could handle all three. She has been in 18 placements in the last 6 years. These are some of her thoughts:

Jill's Story: Week 1

Friday, May 1st

School stunk. No one talked to me all day. My teacher got mad at me because I wasn’t paying attention. I wonder if my foster mom is going to kick me out for not cleaning my room this morning.

Saturday, May 2nd

It’s Saturday and again there is nothing to do. My foster sister got to go to the movies with her friends. I don’t have any friends. I’m so bored. I wish I was a normal teenager.

Sunday, May 3rd

Transportation didn’t get set up and I don’t get to see my brother and sister. They told me to use my coping skills. Why can’t adults use planning skills and make sure I get to see my brother and sister?

Monday, May 4th

School was ok. My teacher helped me with my math homework and said I was doing a good job. I went to see my therapist and got to work on my life book.

Tuesday, May 5th

Nothing new. Got in trouble for fighting with another kid. Sunday is mother’s day, I wonder if my mom is still alive.

Wednesday, May 6th

I had a team meeting today and, surprise, my case worker didn’t come. What’s the point in trying?

Thursday May 7th

My foster mom took me to Chinese for dinner, she heard I had a good day at school. That was cool.

Friday May 8th

Ran into my cousin today at Wal-Mart, my dad is back in jail. I hope he stays there.

(Read Week 2's journal entries.)

Meet Lavontae

Lavontae

Lavontae, 12, is in foster care and waiting to be adopted. He has a big heart for family and yearns to be accepted and loved for who he is.

Lavontae has grown to be very adaptable to new situations and loves to try new things. Lavontae is lovable and people are always drawn to him when they meet him. Currently his passions are basketball and wrestling.

A patient, kind family who will continue to support and build on Lavontae's interests as well as give him affection and unconditional commitment would be ideal. He needs a lot of time to be heard so his new family can understand and shape his needs. It is important for Lavontae to keep in contact with his siblings.

To learn more about Lavontae, please call Brenna at (402) 661-7101.

Learn About Foster Care Adoption   •   Meet Foster Children Waiting to Be Adopted

Adoption Links Worldwide  •  ALWW.org  •  (402) 661-7101
Children Services Center, 124 South 24th Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68102