Our Personal Connection

According to the National Children’s Alliance, 679,000 children in 2013 suffered from maltreatment, 80% of these children suffered from neglect http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org. This statistic has continued to rise with every passing year. In 2014, it was reported that victims totaled 116,940 children and ranged from ages 0 to 6 years. This statistic has hit a chord within my soul. In February of 2015 in Sacramento, California two siblings, ages 2 years old and 3 years old were removed from the care of their mother due to severe neglect. Their mother was at the time pregnant and had a due date sometime in early November 2015. The siblings stayed in transitional housing for one month, as do many others who await a foster family. The children had extensive tooth and mouth decay and severe diaper rash that included open sores. The younger sibling, who was a 2-year-old male, had no language and crawled. His 3-year-old sister was obese and had limited verbal skills. Both children had zero to no social skills, including not knowing how to interact with each other. When presented to a room with several stimulating toys, the little girl sat in a corner, while her brother rocked back and forth and moaned. He had a habit of shoveling food in his mouth and swallowing without chewing. An finished plate of food and removal from the kitchen table would ensure crying because of his extreme food insecurities. His sister had been emotionally traumatized and therefore took affection from anybody, including strangers. It was later discovered that the worrisome expression she wore on her face was actually the effects of being almost blind.

It is reported by www.stepupforkin.org that 62,413 children entered  the California Foster Care System. For many of these children, it is the first step of many to safety and security. The 2 and 3-year-old siblings previously described, unfortunately, are not unique in their experience. However, they will have a bright future because they are my children. In December of 2015, my husband and I became their legal foster parents with no intention or plan for reuniting with their biological mother. One month later, their 2-month-old sister was united with them and brought home to live with us.  On September 7, 2016 our family was united under California State Law as a legal family unit. My children now share our family name. Almost one year has passed since they have been my babies. The leaps and bounds that they have made are astounding. There are little traces left from their previous life of neglect but with each passing day fade and replaced with experiences and love that will surely culminate into a beautiful life.