As you can imagine living in the foster care system can be a challenge, to say the least. Just an average day for a foster child or teen can cause anxiety or depression. (Not to mention that most kids in foster care already have both of those.)
But the holidays can be some of the worst times for foster kids.
Around this time of year depression skyrockets throughout the foster care systems.
The system is a scary place for children, especially during the holidays. Even if your family is neglectful or abusive, being taken away from everything you've known is terrifying.
Imagine having to go live with strangers, often a series of strangers, and there's nothing you can do. Imagine not having a family to eat Thanksgiving dinner with. Foster children have no control over their lives, and that lack of control causes continual insecurity.
Not having a family around for Christmas or anyone to share the new year with causes depression that can last a lifetime. They don't know how long they'll be in a particular foster home or where they'll be going to school next month or next year.
Foster teens aren't allowed to do many things other teens do, like getting a drivers license or going to sleepovers. Just the act of entering foster care can cause serious emotional trauma. In fact, one study found that foster children are more likely to suffer PTSD than combat veterans.
HELP IMPACT SOMEONE'S LIFE WITH GIVING KIDS HOPE FOUNDATION. YOUR DONATION OR VOLUNTEER SERVICE WILL HELP MANY CHILDREN AND TEENS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Click Here to Learn More!