Empathy

Connections

by Vonia Martin

My goal, of late, has been enlighten people on the struggles of foster children, particularly the older ones that are going to age out of the system.  One way to do that is to bridge the gap between foster kids and "normal" people and empathy may be that bridge.

If there is one thing we can all relate to lately is this pandemic and the social distancing we are doing. For a foster kid this is normal, they spend their lives isolated and distanced from every one. If you want to know what it's like to be a foster kid put yourself in isolation, (foster kids are forced into isolation with little to no reason) take away all entertainment and communication abilities. Now live that way indefinitely with no family or friends. Now you have an idea of what it's like to be a foster child or adult (if you live long enough to become one).

These kids get little to no explanation as to why this is happening to them, only that they no longer get to live with their family. Since they are the ones removed it only makes sense that it's their fault that led to them being moved.