by Brenda Lee Chew

Created on: May 29, 2009

There are many of different reasons why foster parents are needed. They are needed for abandoned children, abused children, troubled children, and to show children what it feels like to be loved. There are also many of other reasons, but I just listed a couple.

I have personally experienced living in foster homes. I have lived in three foster homes. One was when i was six years old and the other two were when I was seventeen and eighteen. Not very many children know what it's like to be a teenage foster child. It is very hard. Because you feel like everyone thinks you're a bad kid or something. A lot of foster parents don't want to take in teenagers because a lot of time they look at it the same way. Well, just because you are in foster care doesn't mean its because you are a misbehaved child. See, I was put into foster care because of the fact that the first time it was my parents fault. They both were abusive and they did drugs. Like I said I was only six, so there is no way that it could have been my fault. After a few months I was then placed with my grandparents I lived with them from seven to seventeen years old. Yes, I was being a normal teenager, sneaking out, messing around in school, being mouthy, and so much more. Well my grandpa was abusive so eventually I ran away. My boyfriend and his family got my little sister and I out of a bad situation. They took us to a place called "Safe House. Then about a week and a half later my sister and I were placed into a foster home with six other teenage girls. At first we hated it because we were so far away from our friends. In foster homes there are strict rules. Your case worker has all control over what you can and cannot do, who you can and cannot see or talk to and so much more. Depending on the case worker you may feel like you live in a little box. But my foster parents were amazing. They were both Christians and very loving. At that point I had never lived in a Christian home. But at the same time it felt good. For once I had someone I could turn to when I needed to talk. I use to cut myself when i was depressed. But, once I had someone who showed me love and took time out of their day to talk to me it all stopped. I started feeling better about myself and I was much happier. I changed a lot while I was in foster care. People think of foster homes as somewhere you don't want to be. Well, let me tell you something you'd be amazed on how many kids get out of foster care and are successful in life. It sure did change my life.

So I guess what I am saying is we need more foster parents who are willing to open up their home to teenagers. They need someone to love and care about them as well. Who knows maybe you'll be able to change a life that has already been messed up for years. This is for all teenage foster children, Do not let that trouble you what other people think of you because you are in foster care, make the best of your life and be proud that you got this chance. You wouldn't be in one if God didn't have a reason for it. Give the foster home a chance and on top of it all that gives you a chance to make something out of yourself and don't look at it so negative.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Lee Chew.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.