"I grew up my whole life in foster care. I personally would have done anything to be adopted. There's a misconception out there that turning 18 frees you from all need for a family. Just because you are suddenly able to vote and give blood without a permission slip from your parents does not mean you don't needs parents or family to call your own."
The voice of this former foster youth speaks volumes for the hundreds of teens in Sacramento and Nevada County who wait for families to call their own. If they leave the foster care system without the permanency of a family, the statistics tell us that within two years over 50% of them will be homeless, in prison, or dead.
Sierra Adoption Services believes that:
- Permanency for youth will not happen unless we make it a priority.
- Permanency is having the feeling that you are connected, that you belong, that there is someone in the middle of the night who will answer your phone call.
- Teens need to be involved and empowered in the planning process for permanency.
- Making optimal use of positive connections in the teens life (past or present) is an important part of creating youth permanence.
Consider adopting an older child today!
For more information visit: www.destinationfamily.org
