Thompson Family

On March 15, 2018, I entered the foster care system. I was sixteen and seeking legal emancipation. The judge ruled in favor of foster care, where I remained for six months. That may not seem long in the world of foster care, but for me, it was a really long time. When I was first introduced to my foster family, I was nervous and scared. I didn't know who they were or how they would treat me.

As I was adjusting to my new life with my foster family, my social worker encouraged me to consider reunification with my mother. We were estranged and I was reluctant and hesitant to move forward with that process, but with the support and encouragement of my foster parents, I was able to rebuild my mother and I's relationship on my own terms. My foster family helped me learn appropriate boundaries with my mother all while giving me space to be a kid. I think that it is important for foster parents to have an understanding and positive attitude towards reunification. Being there for foster children, especially teens, means supporting potential reunification, supporting honesty, and supporting transparency.

In August of 2018, I was reunited with my mother. It has been three years since I lived with my former foster parents and we still have a positive relationship. We visit each other throughout the year, and call and text each other often. I'm currently working on two associate's degrees, and soon after will transfer to a four-year college where I plan to major in criminal justice. I'm currently an intern in the same social services agency that placed me with my foster family, advocating for honesty and transparency for other children in the foster care system.

- Andrea Laney