Aged Out: The Stories That Built Us by SMU

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Texas House Bill No. 2645 aims to empower foster youth on their journey to financial independence. This pilot program helps them set up savings accounts, ensuring they have control over their money and the resources to thrive. #fostercare #fosteryouth

COMING SOON: Tune in on Monday, November 18 to hear about Kassandra Villarreal’s amazing journey from foster care to working as a Licensed Professional Counselor! #agedout #agedoutfosteryouth #fostercare #childwelfare

In her episode, Betty’s anecdotes from her time in foster care show the value of keeping siblings together to navigate new homes. Listen to Betty as she talks about having someone who helped her pursue her strengths and passions. #agedout #fostercare

Research shows that the failure to maintain sibling relationships in foster care can deprive children of support and cause lifelong grief. Maintaining sibling bonds improves mental health and reinforces feelings of stability. #agedout #fostercare #fosteryouth #childadvocacy

In this moving episode, Dr. Rose Jones shares her journey from abuse and homelessness to earning a PhD. Now a medical anthropologist, Rose is truly a success story. Listen to Rose tell her story on Aged Out: The Stories That Built Us. #fostercare #agedout

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently published a report analyzing how kinship care, which prioritizes placing children with relatives or fictive kin, is beneficial to children in foster care.  To read the report head to: aecf.org/series/family-… #agedout #fostercare

“How I healed was I forgave.”  In his podcast episode, Rob Scheer shares his story of choosing to “give it all he’s got,” by defying hurtful labels and rising above abuse from his biological and foster parents. Listen to Rob’s episode for more! #agedout #fostercare #fosteryouth

On July 24, the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved the Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 9076). Paris Hilton testified at the Committee hearing. #fostercare #agedout #childwelfare

NEW EPISODE ALERT: Tune in NOW to hear Jimmy Vaughn discuss how his background in foster care has inspired and shaped his path as an attorney! #agedout #fostercare #agedoutyouth #fosteryouth

HB 793, effective as of 09/01/23, may provide families with more options for accessing court-ordered services. The bill aims to improve accessibility of these services. It can streamline services needed to achieve a stable home and lower the time children spend in foster care.

Dorthy Lukens, Esq. is a 2022 graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. In her podcast, Dorthy describes her experience in care, the good and the bad, and she explains how her experience made her a more compassionate person, mother, and lawyer.

NEW EPISODE!! Bob's Episode! Tune in to hear Bob's story of tumultuous times in the foster care system after moving from Ukraine to now embracing his past trauma and taking back the control of his life and story the system took from him. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Coming Soon: Bob's Episode! Tune in this Friday (2/9) to hear Bob discuss embracing his past trauma, taking back control of his life, and reclaiming the story the foster care system gave him.

Many parents dealing with CPS are likely unaware of their right to an attorney. Do you think this bill serves the best interests of children? Please comment your thoughts below! Read the full Bill here: capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/bi…

NEW EPISODE!! Candace's Episode!! Tune into hear Candace's story of finding hope in the foster care system and becoming a role model and advocate for foster youth. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Coming Soon: Candace's Episode!! Tune in this Friday (1/26) to hear Candace's story of finding hope in the foster care system leading her to become a role model and advocate for foster youth.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested! Have your story told, your way!

NEW EPISODE featuring Leroy! Hear how Leroy persevered through the obstacles of foster care, and how he continues to channel these experiences into advocacy for the foster youth of today.

What do you think about this bill? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! More info can be found here: capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/His… #learnmorebylistening #agedout #hearourstories #extendedcare #fosteryouth #fostercare #dfps #txlege

Check out Aged Out: The Stories That Built Us—on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to learn more about the aging out process directly from those who have lived it.