05/02/2025
đź“Łđź“Łđź“Ł May is Foster Care Awareness Month! đź“Łđź“Łđź“Ł
I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize the incredible resilience of youth experiencing foster care. These youth demonstrate strength, courage, and hope every day as they navigate through difficult circumstances.
Engaging with youth experiencing foster care with empathy and acknowledging their resilience is crucial to creating a supportive, nurturing environment for them. Here are some thoughtful ways community members can approach this:
1. Listen Actively and Without Judgment
Why It’s Important: Youth experiencing foster care may have experienced trauma, loss, or significant life disruptions. Listening to their stories with compassion allows them to feel heard and respected, which is an essential part of healing.
How to Do It: When speaking with youth, give them the space to express themselves without jumping to conclusions or offering immediate solutions. Simply being there and listening attentively communicates that you care about their feelings and experiences.
2. Acknowledge Their Strength and Resilience
Why It’s Important: Many young people experiencing foster care have faced tremendous challenges but continue to demonstrate incredible resilience. Acknowledging their strength helps build their self-esteem and reinforces the idea that they are capable and worthy of respect.
How to Do It: Compliment their perseverance and courage. For example, you might say, “I really admire how you've handled things, it takes a lot of strength to go through what you’ve been through." This reinforces their inner resilience and fosters a sense of pride in their journey.
3. Avoid Labeling or Defining by Their Experiences
Why It’s Important: While it's important to acknowledge the struggles they've faced, it’s equally important to avoid defining youth solely by their past or circumstances. They are more than their challenges.
How to Do It: Use positive, empowering language when talking about youth experiencing foster care. Emphasize their potential, talents, and achievements instead of focusing solely on their past. For example, "You're really good at [insert hobby or skill]," rather than emphasizing their experiences of hardship.
4. Offer Stability and Consistency
Why It’s Important: Youth experiencing foster care often face instability in their lives. Being a consistent, reliable presence can offer them the comfort of knowing they can count on someone, even if their circumstances have changed frequently.
How to Do It: If you commit to something—whether it’s attending a school event, meeting up for an activity, or just staying in touch—make sure you follow through. Consistency helps to create a sense of trust and safety.
5. Provide Opportunities for Self-Expression and Empowerment
Why It’s Important: Youth experiencing foster care may feel a lack of control over their lives. Providing opportunities for youth to make choices, express their thoughts, and participate in decision-making helps build their confidence and sense of autonomy.
How to Do It: Encourage youth to take part in activities where they can use their voices, whether through creative arts, sports, or volunteer work. Ask open-ended questions to invite them to share their opinions and ideas, such as, “What do you enjoy most about this activity?” or “How would you like to get involved?”
6. Be Mindful of Trauma-Informed Care
Why It’s Important: Many youth involved with the child welfare system have experienced trauma, which can impact behavior, emotions, and interactions. Approaching with an understanding of trauma can help avoid re-traumatization and promote healing.
How to Do It: Be patient and avoid pushing them to talk about their past before they’re ready. Respond to their behavior with empathy, understanding that it may be a reaction to past experiences. Show kindness and create a safe space where they feel supported and valued.
7. Encourage and Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small
Why It’s Important: Recognizing and celebrating accomplishments—whether academic, personal, or social—can boost confidence and help youth develop a positive self-image.
How to Do It: Whether it’s a good grade, learning a new skill, or simply showing up for an event, take the time to acknowledge their efforts. Even small wins are important, and celebrating them shows that their hard work and progress matter.
8. Foster a Sense of Belonging and Connection
Why It’s Important: Youth experiencing foster care may struggle with feelings of isolation or being disconnected from their peers or community. Feeling connected can help them build a sense of identity and stability.
How to Do It: Invite them to participate in group activities or community events. Offer opportunities to be part of a supportive peer group, where they can build friendships and connections. Being a part of something bigger than themselves can help youth feel valued.
9. Promote Positive Role Models and Mentorship
Why It’s Important: Positive role models can offer guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. They show youth that their circumstances don’t define their future, and they can achieve success despite challenges.
How to Do It: Offer to mentor a young person, or connect them with a mentor who shares similar interests or experiences. A positive, supportive relationship with an adult can make a lasting impact.
10. Be Patient and Respect Boundaries
Why It’s Important: Every young person’s journey through foster care is unique, and they may need different levels of support or time to feel comfortable. Respecting their boundaries is key to building trust and encouraging healthy interactions.
How to Do It: Be patient with their pace and be ready to offer support when needed, without forcing engagement. If they aren't ready to talk or participate, that's okay—let them know you're there when they are ready.
If you’ve made it to the end of this post, thank you—from the bottom of my heart—for taking the time to read. Your attention and care truly matter.
Wishing you all the very best.
With gratitude,
Alexis Amorelli
Oregon's Foster Care Ombudsman
