Sarah Anderson’s Post

I don’t think I’ve ever been so disappointed with a fostering initiative (and God knows we need some ) and judging by the wider feedback I have seen, I’m not alone. If only fostering was just about fun and trying new things. When will these “week-end foster carers” be introduced to the reality of what cared-for children really need, in particular the need to be trauma-informed? What is the overall purpose of this initiative- if it’s about recruitment(ie to recruit people who will move from week-end to full-time) please share the research which backs this up. Or backs any of this up! Also did you consider how this undermines the brilliant work that the Mockingbird scheme is already fulfilling. providing far more comprehensive support from carers who are hugely experienced and trauma informed/trained? Perhaps Now Foster could instead have campaigned for more resources for Fostering Outreach Workers who already perform a role along the lines of this new scheme. Now Foster owe it to the wider fostering community to engage, discuss and debate why they feel this was ever a good idea. It’s completely baffled me I admit.

A film that profoundly impacts me every time I think of it is American Street Kid by Michael Leoni. This powerful documentary shines a stark light on the urgent need to provide real, sustained support for youth aging out of foster care and those affected by the child welfare system. It reveals the heartbreaking reality that many of these young people, often left homeless and vulnerable, are abandoned by the very systems meant to protect them. The lack of critical resources leaves them struggling to survive. This film is more than just a story—it’s a call to action for all of us to push for systemic change and ensure that no young person is left to navigate these challenges alone. One of the most heartbreaking moments in American Street Kid shows Michael Leoni desperately calling shelters and housing programs across the state, only to be met with the devastating reality that there are no available beds or emergency shelters for youth as young as 14. These children, often mislabeled as "runaways," are dismissed as "the problem" rather than recognized as victims of a broken system and programs. This scene is all too familiar in my work today and underscores the profound failures of our housing resources and emergency services. The rising rates of homeless youth in California need immediate action to provide stable housing, financial support, and a reliable safety net. The rising rates of homeless youth in California are alarming, with many being former foster youth and teens from other states, left without support after aging out of the system. I have personally met several during my teens years when I myself was identified as an "unaccompanied homeless youth," and also a labeled runaway. I was pushed out of my programs and told I was better off going AWOL from my "reunifying shelter" because no one would pick me up, or could care for me. This was right in Long Beach, where I walked and found my way to LA on many of occasions, some of the very streets shown in American Street Kid. Where I met many youth in similar situations depicted in this film. Some of them still friends of mine to this day. American Street Kid powerfully illuminates how the system is failing these vulnerable young people, and its consequences ripple through society. This documentary serves as a crucial conversation starter, shedding light on the homeless youth community and the urgent need for systemic change. It’s a film that should be shared and discussed widely to expose that the struggles of homeless youth are not just seen but need to be addressed. We need to really start giving every young person the opportunity to lead a stable, fulfilling life. Here is the link to watch:

Such important voices to be heard

As the daughter of a quadriplegic, air travel has always stirred mixed emotions for me. While many find it exciting, for disabled persons like my dad, it often felt burdensome. The nervousness of attendants, health risks from transfers, costly wheelchair repairs - it all adds up. Documentaries like this are so important in helping others understand the unique challenges wheelchair users face during travel. They shine a light on experiences that many might not consider. While I always try to focus on the positive, it's true that traveling as a wheelchair user can be incredibly difficult and emotionally taxing at times. Ironically, I've spent nearly a decade in health and wellness tech, helping tens of thousands of studio owners and clients stay connected to their movement and health. In a way, I'm making sure others can do what my dad couldn't. Documentaries like these drive change and its companies like Delta who are making this world more inclusive. The company is releasing new seat designs for wheelchair users and with my dad's recent passing, I wish he could've seen this progress. To disabled travelers and those who love them: I see you, I understand, and I am here to hold space for you. Let's continue to share our stories and celebrate every win that makes this world more inclusive. It's through understanding that we can create real progress. #DisabledTravel #Inclusion #Accessibility

Everyone, and especially those in #education should watch this video. In my experience, one of the main barriers to supporting the #neurodivergent community, and especially those studying and working within conventional learning environments, is simply a lack of understanding about how they experience the world. First, we need to stop the #blame and increase #compassion. What might appear to be wilful lateness, laziness, or disorganisation is often just a difficulty prioritising tasks. What presents as anger and aggression is probably really fear and #overwhelm . What looks like a simple lack of concentration is likely a response to #sensory #overload. What seems like despondency and negativity is sadly often an indication that a sense of hopelessness and defeat in the face of seemingly insurmountable barriers is finally setting in. Until we can properly #reimagine and #restructure the #education context to support the needs of all those required (by law) to attend, and appropriately alter the work context to help everyone succeed, we need to at least educate ourselves about the #inequalities and #differences faced by the neurodivergent community. There are so many bright people out there who currently can't fulfil their potential because of these invisible obstacles. This is short-sighted and everyone misses out on their talents and contribution. We need to start with #understanding so we can create necessary change. #neurodiversity #inclusion #reasonableadjustments #equality #diversity #autismawareness #adhd #neurodiversityatwork #neurodivergence

DVCContent.com Nov. 2023 - Solano Catholic, Rancho, CA Today is about giving thanks. Today is about practicing radical empathy. Today is about acceptance of things as they are, not as you wish them to be. Recognizing our first responders. #videoadvertising #videoproduction #community #videocommunication #videographer #videocontent #videoproductioncompany #videoconferencingsolutions #producer #videodirector #productionhouse #productioncompany #contentcreation

You can now watch Season 4 of PROJECT ROCKIT TV, produced in partnership with Youth Disability Advocacy Service There are 7 videos featuring 5 disabled young people who co-wrote all the scripts together with the creative team at PROJECT ROCKIT. Each episode elevates the perspectives of everyday young people aged 16 to 21, as they tackle important issues like intersectionality, discrimination, advocacy and simply fitting in. Check them out!! Topics include: • Fitting in • Stimming • Assumptions • Discomfort • Relationships • Intersections • Advocacy   https://lnkd.in/gHGbGvTN

There are 14.1 million disabled people in the UK – and yet only 19% of working age adults are disabled. Disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people. The reason? In my view, this is because the traditional workplace is not geared towards their needs. Man/Woman can accomplish anything they set their mind to. If someone has a strong enough motive, a strong enough dedication, and a strong enough resolve, they can overcome any physical, psychological, or mental disability. This year Learning Disability Week is about challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face and celebrating the things people with a learning disability do. All communities have strengths, all citizens have power, and at Mencap we want to build on this together! #Doyouseeme #Disabilityweek #Mencap #BathMencap

Gen Z is making waves in the art world, and Miami University Alum Jack Troiano is here to share his insights. In a recent interview, Troiano highlighted the importance of: - building a support system - embracing curiosity daily - staying open-minded These three key takeaways are essential for anyone looking to succeed as an artist, arts advocacy, and administration. So, take a page from Troiano's script and start building your support system today! I've shared our conversation below. #arts #artsadvocacy #artsadministration #artseducation #viral #artsadvocate

We all want to live in the place we call home, with the people and things we love, in communities where we look out for each other, doing the things that matter to us. That's the #SocialCareFuture we seek. Watch the new film: https://bit.ly/SCFLiz #SocialCare #AdultSocialCare #FixSocialCare #SocialPolicy #Policy #CareProviders #PublicServices #PublicServiceReform