On Demand
A Survivor of the Foster Care System Speaks
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent much of her childhood bouncing between fourteen different foster homes. She explains how the system failed her, and what she’s doing now to help out today’s foster kids and parents. Her new memoir is Three Little Words.
Weigh in: Tell us about your experiences with the foster care system. How would you like to see it change?
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I was in the "System" from age 5 to 23. I was able to survive and graduate from college. I got married and have a soon 18 year old daughter who is a honor student.
The system needs to listen to the children with their concerns and that the "foster parents" need to be held accountable for the things they not only do but not do.
I had a mother who was mean and was angry and not loving. I learn to keep my thoughts to myself and learn to listen and observe people.
I had to get counseling as an adult to deal with what happen to me.
I am a good productive person but sadly. Some things will always be with me but I have learn to be better than the treatment that my foster mother gave me. My daughter knows and appreciates the man I am and as I told my late brother and my biological mother that the nightmare ends with me and Dara has never had to experience what my brother and I endure in our lives.
As a soon to be Young Adult Librarian, I look forward to reading this book and recommending it to students and adults. Thank you for sharing your story with us and for taking on the system which desperately needs your voice and action. Best of luck.
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