One of the issues I’m most passionate about is the rights of people in and from government care (foster care). There are countless of books, reports, articles and other literature written about youth in and from care but very little of it was written by youth in and from care.

As a former youth in care I deal with a host of challenges that are shared by other people of my background. Even though we exit government care at 18 or 19 (depending on the jurisdiction) there’s a lot of baggage we carry into adulthood.

The journey toward a fulfilling, successful adulthood can be incredibly lonely for youth from care. Some days I feel like a damaged, insecure 17 year old. This is why I am so grateful that others who’ve “been there” are telling their stories.

The National Youth in Care Network is assisting former youth in care to tell their stories via Youtube. A little while back they did a Video Workshop and so far the results have been incredible.
This story, by John, really struck a chord with me. I’ve never met him but our stories are very similar. It really gave me a boost of energy and moral strength to keep working towards my Dolly Iris goals.

Please watch it as it’s a very important story: