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 2

Saturday May 9th

My foster mom is going shopping to get a mother’s day gift for her mom. My foster sister asked if I got a card for my foster mom. She’s not my mom, I don’t see my mom any more.

Sunday May 10th

I miss my mom. I haven’t seen her in years. They say I am supposed to be adopted. It would be pretty cool to have a mom who cares about me and is always around. I hope she would love me and not hurt me.

Monday May 11th

Went to see my therapist today, it was family therapy today. She spent most of the time talking to my foster mother. I wonder what they said about me.

Tuesday May 12th

I tried to pretend I was sick today; I didn't want to go to school. My teacher said if I don’t bring my grades up I’ll have to retake English. They don’t understand me; all I care about is seeing my brother and sister this weekend.

Wednesday May 13th

There was a new girl at school today. She’s from California. Everyone loved her clothes. I felt stupid all day; I had to borrow clothes from my foster sister that don’t really fit. I still haven’t gotten my clothes from my last foster home, they won’t bring them.

Thursday May 14th

Got caught today. Yesterday I stole a pair of earrings from a girl in my class and she noticed them today. I just wanted to fit in.

Friday May 15th

I’m so glad its Friday. I’m excited for my visit with my brother and sister tomorrow. We get to go to McDonalds and to the park. It will be a good day.

(Read Week 3's journal entries.)

Meet Kimberlee

Kimberlee

Kimberlee, 12, is a quiet young girl until she gets to know you. She takes her time getting to know others and building trust in those around her.

Kimberlee likes to shop, especially if she can find a new Bratz doll to add to her collection. She enjoys playing sports, especially soccer and basketball, and just being outside. Her current caregivers describe her as being caring, friendly, and having a great sense of humor. Kimberlee enjoys learning and does well in school.

Kimberlee says, “I want a family who supports me."

To learn more about Kimberlee, please call Lisa at (402) 556-2367.

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

Adoption Links Worldwide  •  ALWW.org  •  (402) 556-2367  •  5017 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE