Hey you guys, my name is Ariyah T. I entered the foster care system when I was 11 years old. And I'm creating this petition today to speak about my experience and the things that I feel should change to create a better, more stable environment for our children. More than 250,000 

(“51 Useful Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics | Social Race Media | NFYI”) 

Children are placed in the foster care system in the United States each year.Speaking from my 6 year experience of these things,These children often face abuse, neglect, and instability in their lives, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being. Personally, I am currently battling a lot of different things, such as mental health, anxiety, depression, etc. This is why I felt that it was important to address these issues and work towards improving the foster care system to provide a safe and supportive environment for these vulnerable children.

Also, I feel as if there is a lack of resources and support  provided for  foster youth aging out of the system. These are young adults who have reached the age of 18 and are no longer eligible for foster care services. Many of them are left without a stable support system, housing, or job opportunities, which can lead to homelessness and poverty. It is important  that we provide these individuals with the resources and support they need to successfully transition into adulthood, lead fulfilling lives, and also make the future for our upcoming children brighter . I believe that by addressing these issues, we can make a significant impact on the lives of foster youth and improve the foster care system as a whole .

  I would also like to discuss how kids in the system are being overly medicated. Overmedicating children can have negative long-term effects on their physical and mental health. It is important to explore alternative solutions and address the root causes of a child's behavior before turning to medication. Personally, I feel like sometimes, in certain homes, children act out due to unfair treatment and a lack of communication within the home. Speaking from experience, personally, I think that is a huge topic that isn't discussed. Foster parents should always try their best to interact with the child in the home each and every day. Foster parents can engage in activities that the child enjoys, such as playing games or going for walks, to create a positive and nurturing environment. It is also important for foster parents to actively listen and communicate with the child to build trust and establish a strong relationship. Never should a child feel as if they don't have anyone to speak to about personal problems.

Some ideas and suggestions that I think should be included and changed are :

1. programs where foster kids can be taught life skills such as how to pay rent, how to save, or how to build credit. These mentorship programs and community initiatives can  improve the outcomes for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system and reduce  homelessness, unemployment, and poverty. By providing them with the necessary skills and resources, we can help lead them to successful and fulfilling lives.

2. Mental Health Assessments and Advanced Extended Classes for Adults Who Are Willing and Wanting to Become Foster Parents

3. Parental consent or agreement and discussion with the child  before making decisions on any medication given to a child If reunification is a decision with the court and a plan with the child, this will help the parent be aware of the decisions made and make sure everyone is on the same page.

These are the only minor issues that are arising! We, as people, have to make a change for the children. When it comes to parenting, communication is key. Making a decision with the court and creating a plan with the child can help ensure that everyone is on the same page. It's important for parents to be aware of the decisions made, especially when it comes to minor issues that may arise. By working together and putting the needs of the child first, parents can create a healthy and supportive environment for their children. However, this is just one step towards making a change for the better. As a society, we need to prioritize the well-being of our children and work towards creating a world where they can thrive. This means advocating for policies that support families and investing in resources that promote healthy development. By taking action now, we can create a brighter future for generations to come. I would also like to come up with a new program to help with some of these issues. For generations to come, it will require more than just advocating for policies that support families and investing in resources that promote healthy development. It also means taking concrete actions to address the root causes of these issues. One way to do this is by developing new programs that specifically target the needs of families and children. For example, a program that provides affordable childcare options for working parents could help alleviate some of the financial stress that many families face. Additionally, investing in early childhood education programs can help ensure that all children have access to high-quality educational opportunities from an early age. By taking a proactive approach and developing innovative solutions, we can create a society where all families and children can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. So let's work together to help our children and make our foster system a safer place. Providing high-quality educational opportunities from an early age is crucial for the future success of our children. By investing in their education, we are not only preparing them for academic achievement but also for life beyond the classroom. It is essential to take a proactive approach to ensure that all children have access to these opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances. This can be achieved through innovative solutions such as early childhood education programs, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives. By working together, we can create a society where every child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential. Additionally, we must also focus on making our foster system a safer place for children who may not have access to stable homes. This requires comprehensive reforms that prioritize the well-being of these vulnerable children and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Ultimately, investing in our children's education and safety is an investment in our collective future as a society. 

“51 Useful Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics | Social Race Media | NFYI.” 51 Useful Aging Out of Foster Care Statistics | Social Race Media | NFYI, 26 May 2017, nfyi.org/51-useful-aging-out-of-foster-care-statistics-social-race-media.

“How to Adult.” How to Adult, 30 Oct. 2014, howtoadult.com/effects-lack-communication-between-parent-child-17771.html.

“Groups With Increased Risk | Youth.gov.” Groups With Increased Risk | Youth.gov, 2019, youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-suicide-prevention/increased-risk-groups.