Sometimes
we become passionate about things in this life and we can’t explain why. When I
was growing up I didn’t know anyone in foster care. I also didn’t think much
about kids and teens in need. I didn’t like babysitting, babies and toddlers
terrified me and I didn’t think I’d ever want children myself. Then I became a
step-mom. It opened my eyes to the vulnerability and fragility of kids. And
then I gave birth to my son. I would look at him and wonder how any human could
hurt, neglect, or abuse any child.
The
more I read about abuse, neglect, and other horrible acts done to children I
started to look into foster care. I could not believe how many children from new
born to in their late teens were waiting to be adopted or were in foster care.
I reached out to St. Louis County then foster care coordinator Jessie Schunk and
told her that maybe I could help spread the word about the need for foster care
and adoptive parents through my job as a radio announcer. I feel guilt for not
becoming a foster parent myself,but it’s not for everyone. I don’t think I
could handle it! So I do what I can to help from the sidelines.
I
still feel the foster care and adoption processes need a makeover. I feel the
system too many times supports the biological parent that is battling addiction
and/or has no interest in their child far more than they do the people willing
to sacrifice their time, love, a piece of their hearts and often times time
with their own family to give hope and support to a child in need.
If
you’re like me and you want to help from the sidelines you can offer to donate
supplies to foster parents or to the county. You can contact Adoption is Love
or Adopt Us Kids and find other ways to help. Or if you are that special person
who can love, support and give hope to these kids, maybe you will consider
foster care or even adoption.
(Special mention to my friends and loved ones
who do foster care and adoption: Kris Unhjem, Bobbi Succio, Laura Thronson, Whitney
Burdick and Steve Johnson.) ~ Jessie B
In North
St. Louis County alone there are over 700 kids in the foster care system and
the number is rising.
“Nearly a quarter of the approximately 442,995 children in
foster care are age 14 or older and more than 17,000 young people age out of
foster care at age 18 each year.”
http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/supports-older-youth.aspx
