Youth News
Feb/March 2025
Disproportionately represented in Foster Care
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February and March celebrate both African-American History and National Women’s History Month, honoring influential figures like Kamala Harris. As a trailblazer, Harris serves as an inspiring role model for young girls, showing them the importance of pursuing their dreams and aiming high, breaking barriers in leadership. We aim to motivate and empower our young readers, both male and female, to reach for excellence and persist through challenges. . Email: admin@whalers-creation.us, or call: (702) 235-5490 La' Toria Kern Executive Director/Publisher
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Grief Stages
Youth News is an online magazine developed by teens, adults and senior citizens working together to bring readers Educational, Motivational, & Inspirational Stories
The stages of grief, often referred to as the "Kubler-Ross model," describe the emotional response people experience when facing loss. While these stages may not occur in a linear order and can vary widely from person to person, they provide a framework to understand the complex feelings associated with grief. Denial: In the face of loss, individuals may initially refuse to accept the reality of what has happened. Denial acts as a defense mechanism, allowing the person to process the shock in small, manageable pieces. It can feel as though the loss isn't real. Anger: As reality sets in, feelings of frustration and helplessness can manifest as anger. The individual may direct this anger at themselves, others, or even the person or situation they’ve lost. It's a natural response to feeling out of control. Bargaining: In this stage, individuals may try to make deals or promises, often with a higher power, in an attempt to reverse or delay the loss. They may have thoughts like, “If only I had done this differently, maybe they would still be here.” Depression: A deep sadness and despair typically follow. The individual might feel overwhelmed by the weight of their loss and struggle to find meaning or hope. Feelings of isolation, fatigue, and helplessness are common during this stage. Acceptance: Eventually, many reach a point where they come to terms with the loss. Acceptance doesn't mean happiness or forgetting, but rather the ability to move forward, adjusting to life without what was lost, and finding a new sense of balance. Grief is unique to each person, and these stages may look different depending on the individual and their situation.
Systemic issues, such as neighborhood zoning and the migration of middle-class white families to the suburbs, have long driven racial segregation, concentrated poverty, and substance abuse in urban areas. Specific zoning laws, combined with white flight, led to many inner-city neighborhoods becoming predominantly Black, often with limited resources. This lack of support fuels a cycle of poverty. In Las Vegas, the largest city in Nevada, Hispanic, white, and Asian children now make up a growing portion of the population. As we've discussed in previous blog posts, this ongoing cycle of poverty plays a significant role in the foster care system both in Nevada and nationwide. Children in foster care often grow up without the necessary resources to thrive, and the limited opportunities available in impoverished neighborhoods make it challenging to provide the best care. These struggles can prevent parents from fully supporting their children, making them more vulnerable to entering the foster care system. This creates a continuing cycle, where children of color—especially African American children—are disproportionately represented in Nevada's foster care system.
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Disproportionately Represented in Foser Care
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The Life of a Foster Parent
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Most people don’t know what it’s really like to open your home to a child in need. There are the sleepless nights, the heartbreak, but also the moments when you see a child’s smile for the first time after they connect with you. Many children and youth arrived, silent and scared. Over time, love healed wounds. Laughter filled the home, hearts grew stronger. Entering foster care often feels like a whirlwind, confusion, fear, and uncertainty. A child is suddenly uprooted from everything familiar, facing new faces and unknown rules. Most day may look like this: Waking up early to prepare children for school, making breakfast, and getting ready for the day. Coordinating with caseworkers, attending meetings, and ensuring the children are in safe environments. Helping with homework, winding down, and nurturing the emotional needs of children who have been through traumatic experiences. There are days when it feels like too much. But when you see a child come to trust you, to see them make progress, even small steps, it makes everything worth it. One of the the hardest part is the day they leave. You’ve become their family, but at the end of the day, they might need to return to a biological parent or another placement. It’s never easy, but we always know we’re doing something good.” Consider opeing your heart and or home to becoming a foster/adoptive parent or mentor. It’s not easy, but it is one of the most rewarding paths. Fster parents are heroes, providing a stable, loving environment for children who need it most. https://www.fox5vegas.com/ Foster Care Recruiter at 888-423-2659
Some foster youth search leads to a forever family, for others, it’s a journey filled with uncertainty, heartache and homlessness."These are ture stories.” 12 Foster Homes: Olivia moved between 12 foster homes by the age of 13. Despite the constant change, she found one foster family who made her feel like part of their own. At age 15, she was adopted.“I never thought I’d have a place I could call home. It wasn’t until I met my adoptive family that I realized a family could be more than just blood.” Michael’s Fight for Stability: After aging out of the foster system at 18, Michael found himself living on the streets. Through a mentorship program, he was matched with a social worker who helped him get back on his feet, ultimately leading to a stable job and finding an adoptive family in his 20s. “I had nothing when I turned 18, but the mentorship I received showed me that it’s never too late to find a family.” Reuniting with Biological Siblings: Samantha, 19 was placed in foster care at age 9, separated from her siblings. After several years, she was adopted into a family, and at 18, she reconnected with her biological siblings through social media. Today, they are working to build a new relationship. “I didn’t understand what it meant to be a sibling until I was older. But the connection with my siblings now means the world to me.”
Eating well every day is essential for maintaining optimal health, boosting energy, and preventing chronic diseases. A balanced diet, rich in a variety of nutrients, helps fuel the body, supports growth, and enhances overall well-being. The foundation of a healthy daily diet lies in consuming fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Fruits and vegetables should make up a significant portion of each meal. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals and promote immune health. Aim to include a variety of colors on your plate, as different colors represent different nutrients that benefit the body in unique ways. Incorporating whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat, ensures that you are consuming fiber, which aids digestion and helps to keep you full longer. Lean proteins, like chicken, fish, beans, and legumes, are essential for muscle repair and immune function. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are important for brain function and heart health. Eating well also involves staying hydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining energy levels, improving skin health, and supporting digestion. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess salt, which can negatively affect your health. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, you can nourish your body daily, making better food choices that contribute to long-term health and vitality.
Eating Your Way to Good Health
True Stories
2 in1: National African American and Women's History Month, Back-to-Back.
As we celebrate African American History Month, it’s essential to honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. This month allows us to reflect on the legacy of those who fought for justice, equality, and empowerment. As we transition into National Women’s History Month, we spotlight Karma Harris, a trailblazer for women who embodies the spirit of progress, leadership, and perseverance. Karma Harris has long been recognized for her groundbreaking work in advocating for the rights and advancement of women. Her commitment to leadership and community empowerment has been a beacon for future generations. Whether in her efforts to promote women's voices in business, politics, or the arts, Karma has proven to be a steadfast and powerful force. Her ability to inspire and uplift others, especially marginalized communities, makes her an ideal representative as we transition from one important celebration to another. By honoring figures like Karma Harris, we recognize the profound impact of women in every aspect of society, ensuring their contributions continue to shape the future.
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Additional Resources
Adoptive Families Magazine Adoptive Parents Committee American Academy of Adoption Attorneys (AAAA) Child Welfare League of America The Center for Adoption Support and Education Dave Thomas Foundation Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute International Social Services National Adoption Center National Council for Adoption (NCFA) North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
How to Become a Foster Parent
Becoming a foster parent involves several steps, which may vary depending on your location. Here are some general steps to become a foster parent: Contact your local foster care agency: The first step is to get in touch with your local foster care agency. You can find the agency in your area by searching online or contacting your state or county department of social services. Attend an orientation session: Most agencies require prospective foster parents to attend an orientation session to learn about the foster care system, the needs of children in foster care, and the process of becoming a foster parent. Complete the application process: After attending the orientation session, you will need to complete the application process, which includes background checks, home inspections, and training. Complete training: Foster parents are required to complete training before being licensed. The training covers topics such as child development, the impact of trauma on children, and how to work with birth families. Receive licensure: Once you have completed the application process and training, the agency will evaluate your application and decide whether to grant you a foster care license. https://www.fox5vegas.com/
US Adoption Resources
Centers for Disease Control International Adoption Health Guidance U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Adoption Process AdoptUSKids.org Child Welfare information Gateway Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)
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Clark County authorities maintain that they still face a deficit of foster families ready to provide temporary care for children. Allyson Manumaleuna, the county's foster care supervisor, emphasizes a specific demand for Black foster parents. Manumaleuna explains, "Having homes within their own communities and neighborhoods can facilitate smoother transitions for these children. The need is evident. Currently, there are approximately four African-American foster homes available for every ten African-American children within the foster care system." Lynne Jasame, a former foster travel all across Las Vegas advocating for more foster parents, especially African-American foster parents https://www.fox5vegas.com/
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