Teenage Carla's Journey: Hopes to Be Adopted Before Aging Out of Foster Care

A Heartfelt Journey in the Texas Foster Care System

At just 16 years old, Carla is on a poignant mission: to find a forever family before she ages out of Texas' foster care system. Like many others in a similar situation, she faces the ticking clock as she approaches her 18th birthday. However, her spirit shines brightly amid the uncertainty, revealing a remarkable young woman eager for connection and love.

Animal Rescue and Human Connection

Carla recently spent a day volunteering at the Austin Humane Society, where she immersed herself in the care of animals that share her longing for a home. "I love all the animals. They're just so cute," she expressed with genuine affection, underscoring her deep connection to creatures looking for safety. The animals' unique stories resonate with her own, both sides yearning for stability and the joys of companionship.

Finding Strength in Structure

In addition to her love for animals, Carla participates in her high school's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). This program offers her both structure and stability, crucial for a young person who has faced the tumult of growing up without traditional familial support. "It has a lot of structure, and structure is good for kids who have been through a lot," she reflected, highlighting how such programs can be lifelines for youth in foster care.

Facing the Future: A Race Against Time

As she approaches her crucial turning point at 18, Carla articulates a longing that many children in foster care share. "I still want a family. I still want one," she stated poignantly, signaling her dreams for a nurturing, permanent home. The harsh reality is that many youth in foster care face uncertain futures once they age out, with statistics revealing that only 2% will earn a college degree, while many others may encounter homelessness or incarceration.

Support Programs Making a Difference

Fortunately, Carla's journey is not isolated. Numerous local organizations, such as Children's Hope and Love Fosters Hope, are dedicated to creating a positive impact in the lives of young people in foster care. These organizations provide essential resources, mentorship, and transformative experiences that can empower youth facing similar challenges to Carla. Children’s Hope specifically emphasizes a relationship-based model that aids children in trust-building and coping skills, two critical aspects for those recovering from trauma.

The Power of Community Involvement

As Carla demonstrates, the support of a community makes a significant difference. Volunteering at programs like the Austin Humane Society not only aids the animals but fosters invaluable social connections for Carla. By building these bonds, she finds a sense of belonging, reminding us all of the importance of community in navigating our lives.

Hope for the Future: The Call for Adoption

Carla hopes to inspire potential adoptive families to consider adoption during National Adoption Month. Every week, local initiatives focus on connecting children with loving families through various campaigns. "It’s tough growing up without parents to teach you like you belong," Carla said, emphasizing the community's role in these critical transitions.

How You Can Help

There are countless children like Carla who deserve to find a place to call home. If you're considering adoption, or if you have resources to support local organizations, your involvement could change lives. Not only can you provide a safe environment for a child, but you can also uplift and transform a community.

To learn more about Carla and the options for adoption, you can find resources through local agencies that support children's transition out of foster care. Let's work together to ensure that every child has a family to lean on before they reach adulthood.