Today, we are talking about the unique challenges that foster youth are faced with and how we can help.

In this episode of Change It Up Radio, I am joined by Jenna Mendez, a foster youth counselor, licensed professional counselor, nationally board-certified counselor, school counselor, and adjunct professor at Chapman University, to discuss the unique challenges that foster youth are faced with, and the support systems in place to help them succeed.

In this Spring season of the show, we are focusing on the theme of grief. And one group of people in particular that undoubtedly experience tremendous loss and grief is foster youth. Not only have they lost their parents and their home, but they have likely been separated from their siblings, been forced to change schools, and have lost all sense of identity and familiarity by having their lives entirely uprooted.

Jenna provides insight on the trauma that these children experience when they’re removed from their homes, and the efforts made to place them in safe living arrangements. She describes the various ways children can enter the foster care system, including being born into it in certain scenarios, the reality of abuse within the foster care system, and the role of group homes for children with more severe situations.

We discuss the difficulties in finding suitable foster homes for children, as well as the importance of keeping them in their school of origin whenever possible, the court-ordered requirements for parents to regain custody of their children, and the need for education and awareness to help close the achievement gap and provide these children with a brighter future.

Jenna shares her passion for educating others on how to better support foster youth so that they don’t feel alone in their journey. Throughout this episode, she emphasizes the importance of advocacy and collaboration between various agencies to ensure the well-being of foster youth.

Some key topic points covered in this episode include:

  • Challenges faced by foster youth and the cycle of trauma in foster care
  • The trauma experienced by foster children when removed from their homes
  • The process of placing foster children in safe and suitable living arrangements
  • The role of group homes in providing care for children with more severe situations
  • The need for counseling, support, and advocacy for foster children
  • The prevalence of foster youth in the United States and the need for support programs
  • The importance of connection and belonging for foster children

About Jenna Mendez:

Jenna Mendez is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor and School Counselor with an expansive background in the growth and education of children and young adults. She has over 16 years of experience working in K-12 education and is passionate about working with children and helping them reach their full potential.

Jenna has worked as a counselor for 16 years at several levels doing both guidance and crisis intervention. In that role, she worked with foster youth and has helped to create the All-Stars Foster Youth program, which empowers youth with resources needed to self-advocate, make healthy choices, and prepare for their future. This is accomplished by building a strong community of support and connection in order to maximize each student’s social and emotional health and academic potential.

Check out the video below to watch our interview:

Resources Mentioned:

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