emily

I got into the system when I was about 12 years old. I started having problems in school and other ways, so I got sent to the Wyoming Girl’s School by the age of 15. I was there for 8 months at which time I got out and did really good for about 6 months and then got sent back...after that I was there until I was about 17. When I got out of there, I did really good. I was working full-time. I was living with my aunt...just kept busy a lot when I was out. And then, I turned 18 and they released me out of state custody and I had problems after that again. I ran into old friends, drugs, alcohol... I didn’t really know how to pay rent or how to go about doing anything. I had difficulties up until about two years ago. I learned how to pay bills on time and how to hold a steady job all the time and how to take care of my self. I want to go to school now. I take care of my sister’s daughter. I’ve had her since she was 4 months and she is 5 years old now.

Communication

Understanding

Questions

Answers

Success

“It’s a new year to develop a better way to communicate and make sure these kids are placed in the right homes. We also need to make sure the foster parents have spoken about this to their family to make sure no one is left out or ignorant about adding to the family.  These kids need care and love as if they were in their own homes.”

Good Home

Love

Nurturing

Together

Celebration

“When I aged out of the system… I feel like I got the boot, I didn’t have anywhere to go…”

“…I think there needs to be more classes about reality, I mean pregnancy, early pregnancy, housing, jobs, interviews, I mean things to teach you how to make it out there.”

“They (youth) also need help learning how to fend for themselves before they age-out or move out. I don’t think there is any age limit on when to start teaching them how to cook, change a tire or even balance a check book. These simple things can be mountains to us if they are not taught to us…”