My name is sarah sabo, and I'm a former foster youth. Over the years, I've been forcefully involved in numerous court battles, often losing custody of my children due to policies that don't recognize the unique vulnerabilities of those who have grown up within the foster system. This devastating cycle of legal entanglement, loss, and suffering is a grim reality for countless former foster youth in our community. We need your support to change this.

In Tulsa County, former foster youths often face tremendous difficulties when fighting for the custody of their children. Many times, these individuals encounter retraumatization and an overwhelming system that mirrors the instability and challenges of their foster care experiences. At the heart of the issue is the lack of adequate legal protection and support for these individuals, leaving them vulnerable to losing their children and reliving past traumas.

We propose the following changes:

1. **Legal Reform**: Implement policies that prevent the unnecessary loss of custody for former foster youth. This includes recognizing the unique psychological and emotional histories of these individuals when making court decisions.

2. **Criminalization of Parent Alienation**: Make it a criminal act to alienate children from their parents if the parent in question is a former foster youth. Parent alienation strategy can manipulate and exacerbate past trauma, affecting mental health and family stability.

3. **Mandated Advocacy**: Ensure every former foster youth receives court-appointed advocacy. Dedicated legal representatives can support these individuals by navigating the complexities of the legal system and standing up for their rights to family and stability.

Studies indicate that those who experience the disruptive and often traumatic nature of court systems can suffer significant psychological impacts, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. For former foster youths, who already correlate their stability with survival, these effects are heightened. 

The time to act is now. We must ensure all former foster youths in Tulsa County are given the fair chance to protect their families and uphold their rights. Sign this petition to urge Tulsa County lawmakers to bring about the necessary legal reforms that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by former foster youth and safeguard their families against unfair judicial practices. Together, we can build a more just system that offers protection, support, and hope. Sign now to champion a future where former foster youth in Tulsa County are empowered and secure.