Beverly Press: Congress Members Help Foster Youth On Annual 'Shadow' Day

WASHINGTON - Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) and the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth hosted more than 100 current and former foster youth as part of the 6th annual Foster Youth Shadow Day in Washington, D.C.

Every year, the event allows youth to share their experiences in foster care directly with members of Congress to help inform and improve child welfare policy. This year’s group came from more than 36 states.

“Any time a foster youth falls through the cracks, the government is really the one responsible,” Bass said. “When we remove children from their parents, it’s the government that becomes the parents. What can we do better? What are the tangible solutions? We had over 100 youth from all over the country speaking to members of Congress representing over 90 different congressional districts. Especially in a time marred by partisanship, what can bring this country together are our children. We can come together and work to raise foster youth voices.”

Bass was shadowed by three former foster youth – Leo Jimenez, Doniesha Thomas and Michael Rogalski – all of whom who have spent time in at least seven housing placements. Jimenez and Thomas are pictured with the congresswoman.

In 21 years of care, Jimenez spent time in 22 housing placements. This fall, he is graduating from West Los Angeles College and starting studies at New York University.

“We have someone (Bass) that is advocating for us that hasn’t been in our shoes but is willing to … put herself in our shoes to know our needs,” Jimenez said. “She’s very involved in our future. She’s given me a voice.”

Read article here: http://beverlypress.com/2017/06/congress-members-help-foster-youth-on-annual-shadow-day/