In case you can't read the quote in the picture, it is:

When you get to the end of all the light that you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: Either you will be given something to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. ~Edward Teller, Physicist

This applies to most people, but it doesn't seem to work for kids in foster care. They are not sure if there will be anything to stand on, and in fact what we provide for them is shaky at best. Some do learn to fly, and escape their situation with addictions and other self-destructive behaviors. But there are some that survive, and go on to attempt to change the failing foster care system.

Today, I am posting a guest blog written by Larry Adams, a survivor of foster care, and a published author. Larry is working hard to change the foster care system that most of us feel is inadequate. Here is what he has to say:

We Are Responsible!
By: Lawrence P. Adams

We say we must invest in critical infrastructure.

Foster care is a system whose infrastructure is a disgrace -- invest in fixing it and in the children whose lives depend on it.

As responsible parents, we need to make it possible for more children to live safely with their biological families. We should revamp the federal-funding structure to channel resources into programs such as substance-abuse treatment, counseling, training, housing and employment assistance that can keep fragile families from falling apart. These changes are cost neutral; they simply reflect commonsense approaches that would enable us to use existing federal resources more effectively to support children and families in need.


We can also get involved on an individual basis one child at a time by becoming a mentor or tutor, giving foster youth reliable support from someone who holds high expectations for them and encourages them to see a better life for themselves. To mentor or tutor a foster youth not only benefits the recipient, but it is also one of the most rewarding endeavors in life, showing a young person that you care and can be relied upon, even through challenging times. Cost of mentoring or tutoring youth: An hour or two of your time each week.

Employers have the ability to offer foster youth a life-changing opportunity as well. By hiring young people living in foster care and training them for successful careers, employers provide foster youth with a critical start toward a lifetime of self-sufficiency. Cost of offering and promoting jobs or internships for youth in foster care: Insignificant!

Sometimes, tangible items can have tremendous impact on a young life. Foster youth often lack the funds to pay for an after-school computer class, musical instruments or art supplies. Items that most of us would consider basics, such as school backpacks or supplies for a science fair entry, also may be out of reach. Cost of donating to nonprofits benefiting foster youth: A tax-deductible contribution to fit your budget.

Most important of all, for those children who may not be able to remain with or return safely to their birth families, thousands are needed to open their homes and their hearts and become full-time foster or adoptive parents. The lasting commitment that results from creating a new home is one that can be pursued by couples, married or unmarried, single people and partners. Cost of creating a new, loving family by parenting abused and neglected children: Priceless!

Don't forget these children!

Thank you Larry! You can visit Larry's site and order a copy of his book, and don't forget to sign up for his recent newsletter while you're there.