Resolutions that can last a lifetime

As many of us start on New Year's resolutions (or break them!), a Latino community blogger and Iowa KidsNet staff in Des Moines has a suggestion for Latino families out there: Consider a resolution that can last a lifetime, and explore foster care and adoption.

While Latinos are about ten percent of our capital city's population, they represent over 15% of the kids placed in foster care. These kids tend to be predominantly Spanish-speaking and from multigenerational households.

Having a foster family who shares a child's culture can be an important asset for children who have been removed from their homes and can reduce some of their shock, trauma and confusion. And when there is no such foster home available, foster parents of any ethnic background can - and often do - help keep a cultural link between a child and his or her heritage.

Here's an excerpt from Christina's post. You can read the full blog at the link below.

["Imagine this: The date is December 24th of any given year and you are a four-year old Mexican-American boy who has not yet learned English. You have just been placed in a foster home where no one speaks your language and cannot comfort you, reassure you that you will be safe, tell you what to expect, or when you will see your parents again. You cannot tell them that milk and cheese make your tummy hurt, or that you can’t sleep without your stuffed frog that you fear is lost forever. Everyone smiles at you and speaks loudly and slowly in a language you are only vaguely familiar with. They offer you a plate roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. You see the Christmas tree in the corner and wonder when the tamales and champurrado will be served. You feel terrified, confused, abandoned, sad and helpless...."]

Read more of Christina's thoughts here.

You'd be surprised how much you, your family, your church, your business or your community organization can offer to make a difference for youth in foster care. If you're interested in learning more, go here.

Thanks, and Happy New Year!