Cordelia Cranshaw, Founder of Acts of Random Kindness, and La Tika Jeffery, who have both worked with the DFS Foster Care Youth Advocates program, hosted several Facebook Live events during Foster Care Month. These events targeted older youth in foster care (and the adults who work with them) in order to help these kids become their own best advocates for the services and support they need.
These videos have been a game changer for some staff. Calling them “transformational” and “inspirational,” Foster Care Specialist Ann Kim shared, “I know that I have changed how I serve my youth and families based on them.” Please share the videos with youth in care and others in your circle who can benefit from hearing the perspective of two adults that grew up in foster care.
Why National Foster Month is Important
Cordelia Cranshaw and La Tika Jeffery talk about the importance of Foster Care Month. They share about how their experiences in the foster care system were positive turning points in their lives. Cordelia and La Tika offer encouragement, hope, and guidance for children currently experiencing foster care. There were some technical difficulties while streaming the video. (The segment begins at the 10:01 time of the video.)
Foster Care Q and A
Cordelia Cranshaw and La Tika Jeffery answer a wide variety of questions about foster care. Some topics included mental health services for youth, support for foster parents, changing the narrative about all aspects of foster are, and how to age out of foster care well.
How to Stay on Track to Age Out Successfully Amid COVID-19
Cordelia Cranshaw provides advice and resources to help youth presented by COVID-19 to thrive once they age out of foster care. She shares some of her personal struggles, as well as statistics on homelessness, education, employment, and other factors impacting youth as they age out of foster care. She explains how the pandemic is making things harder. She also explores what kids can do to be as prepared as possible to overcome these challenges, starting with learning which services are available to support youth in your state up to age 23.
How to Become Your Own Advocate
Cordelia Cranshaw provides a pathway for youth to become their own advocates. Sharing some of her own story, she explains that the first step is educating yourself on the foster care system and how it works. Then, get involved in a Youth Council if you want to advocate on a larger scale. Ask your social worker and guardian ad litem to give you a seat at the table when team meetings and court hearings are taking place to discuss your care. In the video, Cordelia explains more about what youth should do to advance once that place at the table is secured.
This article posting is part of the Foster Family News monthly newsletter designed to keep foster parents informed about all the new and notable happenings in Fairfax County.
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