104102023

Story:

Kaylah McMillan, a 23-year-old survivor of the foster care system, shares her harrowing journey and the plight of thousands of children like her who have been failed by the child welfare system in New York State. Born and raised in a challenging environment, Kaylah’s life took a drastic turn when New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) took her from her mother, subjecting her to a life of instability and suffering. At the tender age of 14, she was pulled out of her home, community, and school, landing in a group home, despite having committed no crime.

Senses (Child Safeguarding and Protection principles):

1. Preservation of Family: Kaylah highlights the devastating impact of separating children from their families and communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving family bonds whenever possible.
2. Education and Emotional Well-being: The story sheds light on the deplorable educational conditions within congregate facilities, underlining the need to prioritize children’s emotional well-being and educational continuity.
3. Disproportionate Impact on Minorities: Kaylah draws attention to the racial disparity within the foster care system, where the majority of affected children are Black.

Stones (Child Safeguarding and Protection Lessons for Parents, Government, and Society):

1. Reform over Fixing: The immediate solution lies in ending the use of congregate settings, opting for home-based care whenever feasible, and prioritizing family placements.
2. Systemic Change: Kaylah calls for a complete overhaul of the foster care system, as fixing the broken system is not enough. It should be dismantled to prevent further harm to children.
3. Child-Centric Approach: Children should not face abuse, neglect, or educational disruptions within the system. The focus should always be on their well-being, safety, and future prospects. 

Kaylah McMillan’s powerful narrative underscores the urgent need for reform within the foster care system, ensuring that children are not subjected to trauma, and instead, are provided with love, care, and a promising future.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/