Youth Stories About Foster Care and Adoption

Deborah

Born heroin-addicted in a federal prison and adopted out of foster care at age four, Deborah Jiang Stein struggled for years to find a sense of identity. Now an author and motivational speaker, she shares with us a poetic recount of her journey from rebellion to re-invention. Read Deborah's story.

Latasha

Imagine all you had in this world were a pair of purple pants to call your own. That was the case for Latasha C. Watts who grew up in foster care and became homeless at the age 18 when she aged out of the system. Read Latasha's story.

Jeremy

Jeremy spent five years in Colorado’s foster care system and is a senior at the University of Northern Colorado majoring in communication. Last summer Jeremy became a FosterClub All-Star through a 10-week internship program sponsored by FosterClub, a national network of youth in foster care. Read Jeremy's story.

Aaron

Although Aaron was adopted by a loving family, being in foster care caused many lasting effects. He now devotes his time to improving the system. Read Aaron's story.

Manny

Manny overcame many obstacles during his 16 years in foster care to become an entrepreneur, educator, youth pastor and motivational speaker. Read Manny's story.

Rusty

Rusty relentlessly practiced on the saxophone he received as a gift from his birth mom. His hard work enabled him to play with many well known musicians. Read Rusty's story.

Jackie

Jackie says “If someone had told me when I was in foster care that my life at 28 would be what it is today, I doubt that I would have believed them.” Read Jackie's story.

Stephanie

When placed in care, Stephanie became a runaway. But she worked hard to turn things around and became the upstanding citizen she wanted to be! Read Stephanie's story.

Cristine

Cristine keeps pushing towards her dreams because “it’s not about where I’m coming from, but where I’m going.” Read Cristine's story.

Sal

Sal was adopted along with his brother and he shares that they “grew up having the best mother.” Read Sal's story.

Diana

As a former foster child, Diana knows that “a bright future can be created with a little hope, help and inspiration.” Read Diana's story.

Derek

“Labeled and misdiagnosed” while in foster care, Derek turned his situation from a victim to a victor. Read Derek's story.

Geylen

As a youth advocate, Geylen wants all youth to remember that “no matter the situation, you have control of your future.” Read Geylen's story.

Edwin

Edwin says that his mom has changed his life. He is now confident and happy knowing that someone loves him in this world. Read Edwin's story.

Ryan

When Ryan was told that he “wouldn’t amount to anything” he took those words as a challenge and has dedicated his life to making a difference for youth in care. Read Ryan's story.