Kids Corner

RESIDENT ESSAYS:

LETTER TO A NEW RESIDENT: Don't worry, it's not gonna be as bad as you think. At first you might feel as if you're a little unwelcome, but cheer up, it's gonna get better. When you first get here you meet all kinds of new people that are already into the routine that you have absolutely no idea about. DO NOT PANIC! Everyone will be patient with you until you get the hang of things, as well. Living here isn't too difficult; all you have to do is follow the rules and you'll be fine. Be friendly towards everyone and give great respect to staff and you'll be on your way to success. Go get'em tiger .... rawr! - Elizabeth, Age 16


ON BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT: In today's society, many children need foster homes. A foster home takes care of a child that does not have a home or has been abused. My belief is that everyone should help children and become a foster parent.

Children need foster parents for many reasons. One reason that children need foster parents is because they have been abused or neglected. Another reason is that some families cannot provide food, shelter, and clothes. Also, some children need a foster family because their parents abandoned them or died. Possibly their parent might be in jail or they are in the hospital.

I think children need foster homes because they need love and to be cared for. Another reason children need foster parents is that children need acceptance. Children have the right to have a good life.

I think children need help. Another reason children need foster homes is because they need a safe home. children need trust from their friends. Children need friends.

Some people might disagree with me for several reasons. Someone might say that they feel uncomfortable. Someone else might say they don't have time. Perhaps they will say I don't have enough money to pay for food, clothes, and shelter.

I will tell them to go to parenting classes. The child gets a clothing voucher and a stipend for food. The child will receive a medical card that pays for all medical needs. If they don't have time, I will say to get a babysitter or make time. If they are uncomfortable around children, I will say to get to know the child.

I still feel strong about people becoming foster parents. I think child abuse is wrong because it ruins a child's life. I wish everyone would help stop child abuse and become a foster parent. Please help ........ - Lanaya, Age 12


ON BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT: In today's society, there are many reasons why children do not have homes or families. There are many reasons such as abuse, neglect, family issues, and other emergencies that can cause children to be removed from their homes. More people should open up their homes and become a foster parent or adoptive parent.

I think people should become foster parents because some children don't have homes or shelter. I think people who give up their children are doing the wrong thing because people should love and take care of their children. I think children need to have a foster parent or a shelter because it could be cold and they need someone to provide some clothes for them.

There are several reasons why people might feel that they shouldn't become a foster parent. Maybe they could meet the kids. Someone might say I don't have children and I don't know how to take care of children. Maybe they can try it out and attend parenting classes. What if something happened to their own children? Maybe becoming a foster parent will help them feel better again. If they are worried about money, they can have a child fee to cover extra expenses. They could be afraid that the kids might be mean. They can talk to the kids and work it out with the DHHR worker. The kids, foster parents, and the worker can work out the kid's problems. Children need foster parents because they need shelter and someone to love and care for them. They also need to have a foster parent because their parent may need time to control their stress.

I believe people should open up their homes and become foster parents. There are many children that need shelter, food, love, care and acceptance. I hope that more people open up their homes for children. - Nicole, Age 13