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Chicago, Illinois has launched a new add and program “Don’t write me off”. They are uniting child welfare agencies from Illinois to try and improve the perception and feelings of the community concerning foster care. They are trying to get the community involved in the foster care by volunteering, donating monies or school supplies, etc. They are getting the idea that foster care can not be totally left up to the foster parents. The foster parents need understanding, encouragement, and help with school supplies, Christmas, clothing, summer camps, after school activities, etc.
I personally applaud what Illinois is trying to do for the foster children. I hope it turns out to be a great success and other states will follow the lead. Foster care is every one’s problem. Nobody wants to see children left in abuse or neglectful situations. So, we all have a responsibility to the children that have been disregarded and live in the foster care system. They need to be accepted into society, not shunned due to the trauma and scars they carry with them. They can not break the cycle unless we believe in them and help them. Foster children are written off on a daily basis (Ex: They are to old to adopt, They are to damaged, They have to many needs) My favorite one is, “You don’t know what you are getting”. I am sorry I don’t remember getting a bill of health, contract or a look into the future when I was pregnant with my daughter. I did not know how things would turn out, what she would be like or what kind of problems that I would encounter. I had to pray and have faith that I could deal with whatever I was given, just as I had to when I adopted my son and daughter.
The children cannot change, we have to change for them. We have to be the ones to give them a future. They are the responsibility of us all, not just the state and foster families.
Below is the link to the web page: www.fosterkidsareourkids.org
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”
Albert Einstein
What a great idea! I would love to participate in something like this in my own community.
You know I live in Chicago and have found that our city has become more & more involved in giving. Not only to children but to everyone in need. Because of this I myself along with friends and family have been motivated to give too. Viva Chicago!
I hope this is a great success and becomes a much needed change to the system. GO CHICAGO!!!!