The Puzzle Pieced Life

When I am lost I will confide in Him.

Hi, I'm Autumn, and I want to share my story with you. When I was 18, just before graduating from high school, My Mom died in a car accident.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, including going to college full-time and working multiple part-time jobs, I fought for guardianship of my sister. People told me to let someone else care for her and focus on my life, but I refused to give up. Finally, in September 2013, at the age of 19, I was granted guardianship and conservatorship of my sister, which was a tremendous victory.

Since then, my sister has graduated from high school, and we've ensured she has the support she needs to live as independently as possible. On April 8, 2017, I married my high school sweetheart, who has always stood by me, despite our Yin and Yang differences and his challenges as a legally blind individual.

To provide better opportunities for our family, we moved to a larger city in Missouri, where we connected with various agencies. I finally acted with a longstanding desire to be a foster parent. We wanted to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care, especially those who had experienced hardships like us.

One of my biggest struggles was finding someone to help me through the challenges of foster care and living and caring for individuals with disabilities. I sought support through foster parent groups, my church life group, and a therapist who understood the foster care system and shared my Christian beliefs. These resources reminded me that I wasn't alone and provided much-needed support.

Now, I want to share my experiences and provide ideas and support to foster parents and families navigating services, safety, and the complexities of family life.
I'm here for you and believe in listening to God's plan for us. I'm excited to learn more about your journey and how we can serve the children and families in our care. Let's support each other and make a difference together!

Foster care is a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood. Many people are not aware of the statistics surrounding foster care and the children who are affected by it. According to the most recent data, there are approximately 437,500 children in foster care in the United States. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with more children entering foster care than leaving it.

One of the most alarming statistics is the number of children who age out of foster care each year. In 2020, over 20,000 young adults aged out of the system without a permanent family to support them. These young adults are at a significantly higher risk of homelessness, unemployment, and poverty compared to their peers who were not in foster care.

Another concerning statistic is the overrepresentation of certain populations in foster care. African American children are disproportionately represented in the system, making up 23% of the total foster care population despite only making up 14% of the general population. Native American children are also overrepresented, with a foster care placement rate nearly three times higher than that of non-Native children.

It's important to understand these statistics so that we can work towards improving the foster care system and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. There are many ways to get involved, such as becoming a foster parent, volunteering with a local organization, or advocating for policy changes that benefit children in foster care. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.