Reports reveal a dreary future for many children in the foster care system. In fact experts have dubbed it to be the “national foster crisis.”
Arrow Child & Family Ministry states 40 to 50 percent of those children will never complete high school. Sixty percent of foster care kids will be homeless, go to jail or die within one year of leaving the foster care system by 18-years-old. The organization also reports that 80 percent of the prison population once was in foster care.
Those startling statistics suggest the foster care system has failed children. Although the system may be inadequate, it takes the individual to rise above their predicament and transform a dim future.
“It was hard growing up in the system because you are taken from what you know over and over and placed in a completely new environment. The experiences harden you in a sense,” said Demetrees Hutchins who grew up as a foster child herself and is currently in Information Management & Institutional Research for IUPUI.
For years Hutchins dealt with behavioral and emotional problems resulting from trauma caused by molestation and abuse brought on by “foster parents.”
“I was labeled by case workers as hopeless. Back then I tried to keep quiet about my past because I didn’t want anyone to judge,” she said. “I didn’t want to make any relationships, because I was constantly moving. It was pointless.”
Hutchins was placed in a total of 14 various foster care groups throughout her childhood.
She found comfort in using fantasy to escape reality, which were in books and education. Hutchins even cried when she was unable to attend school saying it was her place of refuge. Education she says is a foster child’s only way out.
Finally Hutchins was able to file for emancipation, an option for youth who do not want to stay in the foster care system until they age out at 18-years-old. Instead, these children take care of themselves without the support of the system.
According to the Child Welfare League of America, an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 youth age out of foster care each year, finding themselves without stability or a familial base. With few skills, life experiences, directions and goals the future is non-existent for these youth.
But Hutchins said she pulled up her bootstraps, trusted in God and kept repeating to herself, “whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” She said people don’t like to hear it, but she knows she only made it by the “grace of God.” Now Hutchins is studying for her doctoral degree and helping youth in foster care. She is doing that through the Take Action, Power of Children exhibit at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
This new addition, which opened earlier this month is a collaboration between the museum, the Indiana Department of Child Services, offering adoptive services; The Villages, providing foster care; and Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Indiana contributing mentors.
“The key message is that the real power of children can be sparked by the support of mentoring and loving adults in their lives. We are providing a convenient place where visitors can obtain more information about helping to make a difference,” said Dr. Jeffrey Patchen president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
The Power of Children shares the extraordinary stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White, three children whose lives teach about overcoming obstacles to make a difference in the world. This permanent exhibit engages children and families to explore the isolation, fear and prejudice throughout 20th century history and today.
According to Patchen the Take Action portion encourages the public to take the next ultimate step, which is becoming a mentor, and fostering or adopting a child.
“We are hoping to build empathy by sharing stories of children who need guidance, attention, love and in many cases homes (both temporary and forever homes),” he said. “You don’t have to be rich, famous or older to make a difference. Everyone can do something that has an impact on another person and on our community.”
Hutchins echoes that sentiment.
“Just because they haven’t been on this Earth long doesn’t make what they have to say invalid. Youth can change the world just by their actions,” Hutchins explains. “We know about Ruby Bridges because her story was on the national level, but this exhibit shines the light on a local level. It may not get the attention of national news but it’s still important. If these kids can make a difference at these precious ages imagine what they’ll do as adults.”
For more information about the Take Action, Power of Children exhibit visit childrensmuseum.org/power-of-children-take-action-area.
