[mprphotos]

My name is Mark, a former foster youth as of 5 years ago. I am now 24 years old and still have the idea that the message of foster care needs to be conveyed to society. There's a difference between what I choose to do. I could either place blame and stick with my past without making any progress in moving forward or I could step up and possibly change the current foster care system. Of course its a long shot but I believe that even one tiny step could make a movement towards change. Therefore I would like anyone who is interested to write how they were affected after aging out of the system, what support networks SHOULD be available, how foster parents should play a role, ect. I am looking to put together a book with these stories to share with others the seriousness of the situation. Also if you have any positive stories for inspiration for current or former foster youth I would like to include those as well. In a more private matter if you would like to communicate with me feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have. Sincerest Regards, Mark.

[Note] writers may remain anonymous but please include what state you are writing from and also include sex and age. This information is to give the reader an idea of the writer.

Mark P. Rabideau
rabideaum@earthlink.net
3913 Ohio St. #2 San Diego, CA 92104

[finallyfree05]

I'm really excited we will be sharing ideas soon. I hope others will contact you soon as well. If we can all help even just one child feel not so alone then this is all worth it. Good luck. It won't be easy I'm sure, but I'm willing to do all I can to help.

[Barksum]

How is your project progressing? The foster kids I know who aged out often aren't willing to share their stories due to the level of pain involved. I'm interested to follow your progress.

In our state there was a class action lawsuit brought against the state on behalf of foster children, basically stating that foster care as it was at the time was an abuse and not meeting the needs of children. This lawsuit was settled out of court and many changes were made in the state foster system at that time. By the time ASFA came into being our state had already made many of the changes required to meet those regulations.

I believe that there is an ongoing need to continue to evaluate and monitor the system. Sadly this is too often neglected. Without vigilence people forget what the old system was like and why it was changed...or even that there was an old system that was changed. It is good to have voices to remind us.