KANSAS: Stacy was removed from her home at age five. Her story is sad and familiar; she had an absent father who had a substance use disorder and had a history of neglect. Now 15, Stacey has lived in over 50 placements and is described as “angry.”
When Stacy was given a new child advocate at Cornerstones of Care, she uncovered a long history of intergenerational trauma, abuse, and neglect. Using the Connect Our Kids technology platform for just one day, her advocate found Stacy’s grandmother, who lived a short distance away. Stacy’s advocate was amazed at the ease with which she could discover possible support for her.
“Her grandmother was right here the whole time, it just took someone looking to find her!”
Further research revealed that Stacy’s grandma had been eliminated as a possible placement due to her history as a victim of domestic abuse. After initial attempts were denied, Stacy’s grandma did not believe she would be considered an appropriate placement due to her history.
The new advocate also discovered that Stacy’s family did not fully understand their rights, and now her grandmother has received permission for permanent placement. Stacy also reconnected with her birth mother, and the two are starting to rebuild their relationship. Her grandmother and mother are relieved to have Stacy back in their lives!
Stacy now feels overwhelming relief to know that her family did not forget her.
Connect Our Kids is a non-profit dedicated to leveraging technology to find families, build connections, and create a community for children in the foster care system. Want to help more children like Stacy? You can today by donating HERE.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
