Blog Post #11: Option 1

One of the main differences between Dorothy Roberts’ book and the video was the focus. The purpose of the video was to share specific stories and experiences of how all persons involved in the foster care system are affected by it. Although Roberts’ did also share some personal stories, her focus seemed to be more on policies, the legalities and social implications of the system and how to fix these problems.

In the video, hearing from teenagers/young adults who were in the foster system for various reasons showed how great of an impact being removed from their homes was for them. One man in particular noted that even though he knew he wasn’t in a good situation at home, being taken away from his family and the only home he knew was very difficult. Multiple of those who spoke in the video stated that, given the option, they would have rather been placed with an extended family member over a stranger because then they are at least familiar and they don’t lose their sense of family and belonging. The people who had taken in their grandchildren or nieces/nephews also stated that although it was difficult for them to adjust, it was a better situation for the child since they do not lose everything along the way; they still have their extended family and often have more support. The personal stories that were shared by those in the system, the biological parents and the foster/adoptive parents, had a bigger impact on my view of the foster care and welfare systems than Roberts’ book.

Roberts’ book was very informational but also had a very negative tone when it came to reunification, the capabilities of biological parents (to get help and get their children back) and the abilities of those working in the foster care system. Numerous personal stories depict circumstances where miscommunication, misinformation and misjudgment prevents reunification of the children with their parents, with either the parents at fault or at times the social worker or other professionals involved. Almost every circumstance that is discussed stresses that removing children from their homes is devastating to them yet so many children are removed and never reunited with their family.

After watching the video and reading Shattered Bonds, I can see that there are times when both accounts may be true but I believe that the view depicted in the video is more common and realistic. There are many children who are removed from unsafe and unstable homes and although they are taken away from everything and everyone they know they are still able to find a home with another family who can provide that stability, safety and love that they need. Family doesn’t always have to be those related to you by blood but includes those who take care of and love you. The stories from the video are evidence of that and thankfully there are far more “happy ending” stories than “horror stories” when it comes to the foster care system, they just aren't discussed as much.

-- Lindsey E.