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 3

Saturday May 16th

Got to see my brother and sister today. It was so great. I was worried I wasn’t going to get to see them because the visitation lady was sick, I’m so glad they found someone else to come. We couldn’t go to park since the new lady came late, but we got to go to McDonald’s.

Sunday May 17th

My foster mom took me to Walgreens to get the photos developed from yesterdays visit with my brother and sister. I only had three pictures of us together and now I have a couple more.

Monday May 18th

My therapist tells me I need to write in a journal. She says I can put what I am feeling in there. I would talk to her, but what’s the point? I know I’m going to move soon anyway, which means a new therapist. I am really sick of telling my story.

Tuesday May 19th

Went to school. Helped my foster mom make dinner, it was fun, I’ve never made spaghetti and meat balls before. She said I did a good job and she liked having me help her.

Wednesday May 20th

A boy at school told me I stunk. I hit him in his face. They made me go to the principal’s office and called my foster mom. She was not happy but I don’t care.

Thursday May 21st

I got suspended from school the last two days of the year – whatever I won’t go to school there next year anyway. My foster mom said I don’t get to visit with my brother and sister this weekend since I punched that kid. I am so mad; I’m going to run away tonight.

Friday May 22nd

My foster mom gave me a bunch of chores because I am suspended. I didn’t do anything and told them I didn’t care about them and that I don’t want to stay there any more. I heard my foster mom call my case worker and tell her I had to be gone by Sunday.

(Read Week 4's journal entries.)

Meet Dakota

Dakota

Dakota,11, has an adventurous personality. He has many interests and loves to be active. His great sense of humor is an added bonus.

One of Dakota's favorite things to do is ride dirt bikes. Dakota is extremely interested in the sport, and would like to continue riding and learning more about dirt bikes.

Dakota works hard in school and likes to complete one subject before moving on to the next one. He is a kind child who responds well to rewards. One of his favorite rewards is being able to go out to eat at Applebee’s.

Dakota wants a family where he will feel loved, cared for and included. He would love to be a part of a family that does stuff together. He has biological siblings he would like to remain in contact with through phone calls and letters.

To learn more about Dakota, please contact 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