The Case for Support

When youth do not have their social security cards, birth certificates, immunization/medical documentation and other vital life records, they are rendered completely “unidentifiable”. There are many instances when teenagers are unaware of their own birth dates. This often happens when a child is continuously moved from home to home and information is not transferred or is lost.

Henry’s Story

At the age of 5, Henry Johnson, was a bi-racial, energetic boy who loved baseball and had lots of friends. He was separated from his two siblings and drug addicted parents because of constant neglect and abuse. Throughout the years he lived in many places — with foster families, group homes and finally a probation camp. Each move meant transferring his school records that sometimes came and sometimes didn't which usually resulted in Henry repeating classes.

At the age of 17 Henry was faced with the reality that he would be an adult with no support from his mother or father. He read at a sixth grade level, had incomplete school records, no social security card and no birth certificate. He was faced with having no self-identity and no identity within the community.

He applied for many jobs and tried to continue his education but always came to a dead end — He had no life records and no way to move forward - this led to his frustration until he finally gave up. As a result, he turned to selling drugs, hanging out with gangs and incarcerated. Each time he was released, he was homeless with no support… There are far too many stories like Henry’s. Living Advantage has a solution to this overwhelming crisis our youth in foster care face.

It Takes A Village

• To raise a child, therefore Villagers must be aware, educated and informed about traumas youth in foster care face who have no support from their biological mothers and fathers.
• To inform and raise the consciousness of our youth to understand they are not alone in their quest for survival, success and to become identifiable within the community
• To become collaborative supporters who will provide support, services, and products and as result gain recognition for improving the quality of life for youth in foster care.