Young, local author Skyler Farasat shares a story to encourage fostering teens during 2024 National Foster Care Awareness month.
FosterHope Sacramento contributor: Author Skyler Farasat, age 10, pen name: Skye+Fam of SkyeFamBook
“I Never Saw Their Capes, But…”
I love reading and writing stories, and I spend time serving at my local foster care agency FosterHope Sacramento with my family. Here I have met and heard stories of some of the bravest heroes I know. And guess what? They are not cape wearing warriors – They are teenagers, each with a personal story more fascinating than any book I’ve ever read. May is Foster Care Awareness Month, and so I want to share with you why foster teens are heroes we need more families to support.
I’m turning 11 soon, but perhaps I can invite you to imagine being a teenager again. Now, add the challenge of not having a stable place to call home or a family to guide you through life’s ups and downs. Sounds so tough, right? That’s the reality for many foster teens. Yet, despite their tough circumstances and harsh life experiences, these youth carry dreams and talents, just waiting for a chance to shine.
I remember being a cuddly baby and a cute little kid, and so I can imagine that while babies and little kids in care are often more easy to welcome into homes, teenagers tend to have to wait longer.
I’ve heard stories that would make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. There is Mark, who can fix just about anything and dreams of becoming an engineer. Then there’s Lucy, whose voice could outshine the brightest star. These kids aren’t looking for heroes – they want to be someone’s hero. They want to show the world that they can overcome their past and build a future that they are proud of.
I hope I can manage to have a smooth teen experience in a few years, so I can only imagine that fostering a teen is not all rainbows and butterflies! It is probably a journey – a journey of growth for all. But isn’t every good story filled with uncertainties and challenges to overcome? Imagine the impact you could have on a young person’s life by offering them guidance and support when they need it the most. YOU could be the reason they believe in themselves and you could be one of the reasons they achieve their dreams.
My parents always tell me that I teach them and help them grow too. If you choose to foster a child, they will, in return, teach you about resilience, courage, and the power of second chances.
Please consider fostering a teen! Youth in care each hold a unique story, and by opening your home and your heart, you become the best part of their story. It could be an opportunity to transform a life and be transformed in return. As a kid I know that teens aren’t looking for perfection – they are searching for acceptance and compassion. My book ‘So Many Ways To Be Family’ is full of stories and art about accepting our family and journey exactly as it is – imperfectly perfect. In my book, I made effort to represent and
these youth, because I know how important it is to spread awareness.
To all the potential foster families out there, let’s rewrite the story for these incredible teens. Let’s show them that their past does not limit their future, and that there is a community out there ready to support them one step at a time.
As a kid, I don’t have all the answers, but I know that kindness and acceptance can make a world of difference, and all kids deserve a family where we can feel safe, valued, and supported.
My book ‘So Many Ways To Be Family’ is a reminder that it is not about being a perfect family. It is quite simply about showing up and being there for a young person in need. Let’s make this Foster Care Awareness Month a turning point for many teens. Who knows? The next hero without a cape that you foster could be the one who changes the world!