Children who are placed in foster care face devastating difficulties every day.
They often come from places of instability and uncertainty, and they have no idea what lies ahead.
We feel such a great emotional pull toward one foster care wish list that was written by a little child in the system.
An unknown young child in Oklahoma foster care wrote the letter, which was published by the advocacy organization Dreamcatchers for Abused Children.
It describes all of the difficult highs and lows of life thus far and communicates the child’s expectations for future foster homes and a permanent family.
The wish list reflects many of the internal problems and tragedies children would prefer not to tell adults about, similar to the note a boy with autism wrote to his teacher. This is especially true if the adults in their lives haven’t always been loyal.
We are extending our love to this unnamed child wherever they may be. Scroll down to read the moving phrases on the foster care wish list.
Find out more information on Dreamcatchers for Abused Children.
The foster care wish list was first published online by Dreamcatchers for Abused Children in July 2015, but the emotions it expresses are just as vital and pertinent today as they ever were.
The organization encloses a copy of the note and writes, “A foster youngster in Oklahoma has provided the following wish list.
We MUST never forget the kids who don’t have anything when we consider how horrible things are for us. WHO NEEDS US.”
The emotional handwritten message of a little child was carried over social media after the image and text were shared hundreds of thousands of times.
For some readers, the note itself may be upsetting. It includes descriptions of abuse.
It states:
- Things I wish in my family.
- I need to eat and drink.
- Don’t hit on me.
- A home with electricity and running water.
- I desire love.
- Parents don’t fight.
- I’m against drugs.
- Don’t harm my pets.
- help with schoolwork, nice, spotless clothing
- No lice, No bugs in the house.
- Clean house. Clean bed with covers.
- Don’t sell my toys.
- Fairly treated.
- Never drink alcohol.
- TV in the home
- Keep my games, please.
- School-related matters.
- lovely shoes
- My own brush.
- soap
- Safe and lovely home.
- A/C and a heater
- coat
- Toothbrush
It’s a devastating reality check to hear such words.
Most of us have never experienced foster care, so we are unable to fully understand the system’s immense complexity as it stands right now.
Although there are many, many excellent foster parents, there are also some rotten apples. Some kids spend years moving from abusive situations to abusive situations.
Numerous children need to be watched by caseworkers in the meantime. Even the most devoted worker won’t be able to manage a large number of cases at once.
Due to the fact that they frequently move from challenging situations to tough situations for years, if not their whole lives, children in foster care need our help more than ever.
It is crucial to continue supporting the kind foster parents, the honest caseworkers, and the organizations that help them.
The world can be a little bit better for children in the foster system if you can provide time or money to organizations like CASA and other advocacy groups like Dreamcatchers.
We can all contribute to the uplifting adoption stories of children finding parents who will love them always and forever by working hard and hoping for the best.
CASA, Together We Rise, and many more groups across the nation have information on how to support children in the foster care system. Learn more about helping children who are the victims of abuse at Dreamcatchers.
Be sure to SHARE this lovely child’s essential message if you wish to raise awareness and help children in foster care.
How to Support a Foster Child
1. Provide respite.
It means that for a brief period of time, one foster family will look after the foster children of another family.
2. Drive.
Numerous organizations require drivers to transport foster children to various appointments.
3. Walk.
To generate money and awareness, organize a walking campaign.
4. Take up advocacy.
An advocate works to meet a child’s needs and ensures they are not lost in the system.
5. Provide an adoptive child with their first employment.
Giving someone the chance to work and gain experience is a very valuable gift.
6. Donate.
You can provide goods to a children’s home or foster care organization, like toys, toothbrushes, soap, and school supplies.
We can only hope that the Oklahoma foster child’s requests on this list were realized and that many foster children worldwide will also be able to fulfill their dreams. Nobody should have to compromise their wishes in order to have a clean home, stylish shoes, or peaceful parents. Just pathetic, really.
