Finding Joy in the Changes

Advocacy for our children looks quite different these days. Many of them are homeschooling, and have begun doing therapy sessions and family visits via the phone or computer. One thing has remained consistent—their advocate.

Our advocate volunteers are utilizing any technology available to check on our children weekly. Advocates are finding ways to connect with children over a screen and engaging with them in the current circumstances. Kids like Marcus* are loving the chance to keep seeing their advocates.

Marcus arrived in foster care because of his mother's drug use and long history with Child Protective Services. When he came into custody, they were living under a bridge. Marcus went to live with a loving foster family while Child Advocates worked to find a relative who might care for him. Several extended family members came forward to see if they could be the right home for this two-year-old boy.

Shortly after meeting with extended family, Marcus began to have panic attacks and severe anxiety. Child Advocates went to great lengths to explain to the court that even though they were his relatives, it was in Marcus' best interest to remain in his current foster placement. The judge agreed, and later this month, Marcus will be adopted by his foster family in a hearing conducted via a Zoom call.

Marcus was able to chat with his advocate, Joy, this week via FaceTime. He was so excited to tell her about his new last name and read her one of his favorite books, Little Miss Muffet. Even with all the changes in our world, Marcus' advocate was able to speak up for him and see that he is doing great in his future forever home.

Our children need you now—more than ever. You can help us continue this important work amid the COVID-19 pandemic by becoming an advocate or making a donation. Learn more at www.childadvocates.org/GoBlue.