Running head: NORMALCY IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM Ledezma 1

Normalcy in the Foster Care System

Jesus Ledezma

Arizona State University

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Abstract

Normalcy in the foster care system is a concerning need. More often than not, those within the

system do not get to experience a normal adolescence and as research shows, they are

ill-equipped to face adulthood, This project is meant to emphasize how the lack of normalcy

affects youth and how implementing normalcy policies in the foster care system benefits them.

Keywords​: normalcy, foster care, group home, youth, school

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[Title]

Section 1, Introduction

The topic I will be addressing is normalcy in foster care. Many of those in foster care do not get

to experience a normal child/adolescence-hood and as such are ill prepared to face adulthood.

Being a former foster care kid, this topic is very important to me. To this day, I continue to

advocate for those in foster care and I hope to bring to light the need for normalcy in the foster

care system.

Section 2, Annotated Bibliography

Atukpawu, G., & Padilla, Amado. (2009). ​Identities and Futures Explored within a Community

of Transitioning Foster Care Youth Participating in Independent Living Programs,

ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Identities and futures explored within a community of transitioning foster care youth

participating in independent living programs, ​a dissertation by Grace Atukpawu, addresses the

issues of foster youth identities in regards to the transitional period of adulthood and beyond. In

this dissertation, she shows the theme of normalcy being a central part of a foster youth’s identity

(p. 153). Acknowledging that normalcy is , “...based on individual differences, cultural norms,

political climates, social expectations, and values and belief systems” (p.153) , foster youth do

not perceive themselves as normal and as such, develop strategies to appear normal. This allows

them to create the ​facade of normalcy​ to better prepare then in adulthood. Though, she also
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acknowledges that this ​facade​ takes a toll on the individuals and as such, she encourages the

implementation of healthful mental applications being just as important and physical (p. 246).

A dissertation that helped fulfill the requirements for Grace Atukpawu’s Degree of Doctor of

Philosophy, ​Identities and futures explored within a community of transitioning foster care youth

participating in independent living programs ​helps​ ​manifests the internal struggles of foster

youth in dealing with normalcy. The application of her study provides credibility as she uses

foster youth when conducting interviews. Though normalcy is not the central theme of the

dissertation, it still provides useful evidence that normalcy implementations culminate in success

in life after foster care.

“Pre-adolescent youth need to be positioned to develop the necessary developmental resources

that will place them on a healthy path into adulthood” (p. 242).

“The study findings reveal that many youth craft a facade of normalcy which allows the outside

world to believe that they are someone who they do not believe they are—a healthy young adult

with a strong sense of self and of the future. This strategy is used as they navigate and engage in

their social worlds and prepare to enter adulthood—a period of time known to them as

emancipation” (p. 140).

“Instead of engaging in developmentally appropriate activities, these youth were often

overwhelmed with parentified roles within their families, lived in situations of abuse and neglect,

and simply focused on surviving” (p. 242)

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Haynes, J. (n.d.). Normalcy Laws Help Foster Youth Transition to Adulthood. Retrieved March

22, 2019, from Foster Care Alumni of America website:

https://fostercarealumni.org/normalcy-in-foster-care-and-beyond/

A short piece written by an alumni of foster care on the Foster Care of Alumni website, this

primary source highlights why normalcy laws are needed. In short, it goes into account how

normalcy laws not only affect foster youth, but foster parents as well. The author, Jamerika

Haynes, emphasizes how independence is a rite of passage for many and how their should not

only be normalcy during foster care, but beyond it as well.

Though short, this primary source’s focal point preaches the benefits of normalcy laws. What

makes it a primary source is the fact that it is written by alumnis of the foster care system.

“With ‘normalcy’ laws in place, it has empowered foster parents to feel like normal parents,”

Connie says. “They can include their foster children in family activities like family vacations and

privileges.”

“Going to prom, spending the night at a friend’s house-these are activities most kids get to have

during childhood. For youth in foster care, these coming-of-age experiences are difficult to

experience. Normalcy often eludes them.”

Meredith, C. (2019, March 9). I overcame aging out of foster care – not every kid is so lucky.

Here's how you can help. Retrieved March 22, 2019, from Fox News
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website:​https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/i-overcame-aging-out-of-foster-care-not-ever

y-kid-is-so-lucky-heres-how-you-can-help

Written as a blog piece on the Fox News Website, author Christina Meredith summarizes her

experiences and struggles in the foster care system. She highlights lack of normalcy and stability

in foster care as detrimental factors that affect those in care in life after teenhood. Making

recommendations, such as becoming a foster parent and contributing to her foundation, Christina

Meredith’s opinion piece helps inform readers by writing in the perspective of a foster youth.

A popular source of information, Christina Meredith opinion piece relays a lot of pathos. She

alludes to her experience as a foster youth as central evidence, but she also provides data about

youth living in foster care. In addition, Meredith also implements recommendation at the end of

her piece which helps invigorate a call to action.

“What does it mean to be a child in the foster care system? To put it mildly, it means you are up

a creek without a paddle. It means no normalcy or stability.”

“While other kids your age are obsessing about dating, summer vacation, or what college to

attend, you’re working a second shift at Denny’s, covered in days-old ketchup because you don’t

have access to a washer or dryer.”

“I wanted normal. I wanted PTA meetings after school and barbecues after church on Sunday. I

wanted a loving family. When I aged out of the system at eighteen, I kept pursuing my dream of
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normal the best I could, with just what I had. I didn’t have the luxury of being irresponsible or

carefree like my peers who were applying to colleges and making grand plans for their future.”

“College wasn’t an option for me at the time – not because I hadn’t given my very best to get

there, but because I was a good girl who’d been dealt a really bad hand. I was trapped in a

system that pushes children down rather than sets them up to be as successful as their peers who

have had stable home lives and loving parents.”

Rutman, & Hubberstey. (2018). Fostering educational success of children and youth in care:

Perspectives of youth with experience living in care. ​Children and Youth Services

Review,​ ​94​, 257-264

Fostering educational success of children and youth in care: Perspectives of youth with

experience living in care,​ written by Deborah Rutman and Carol Hubberstey, highlights the

importance of improving of foster youth’s educational experiences through normalcy. Allowing

youth in foster care to experience a normal educational experience yield significant results to

success (p. 262). What’s more, they paint a large picture of school being the “normalcy” for

those who experience foster care (p.260-263) Showcasing the beneficial factors of school (peer

connections, education, support, etc.) expose a bigger problem that endangers foster youth’s

success: stability.

Though Deborah Rutman and Carol Hubberstey credentials in community leadership and social

work help support the validity of their findings, it is their method and research that strengthens
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their stand. Conducting in-person and non-person interviews, they use kids who have

experienced and are still currently in the foster care system to investigate the importance of

normalcy in school. This provides the best use of ethos as they implement authentic quotes on

what foster youth believes is important to providing success in school.

“The majority of participants (75%) identified one or more extra-curricular or community-based

programs that they believed were especially helpful to them in terms of their school attendance

and completion” (p. 262).

“This study's findings also offer compelling evidence regarding the value of school as a

normative experience for children and youth in care, one that provided them with welcome

normalcy and predict-ability” (p. 263)

“Further, [foster youth] want to experience the sense of belonging, connection, and long-term

well-being that is known to result from high school completion. Improving their educational

experiences and outcomes must be a priority for everyone involved” (p. 263).

Simmons-Horton, S. (2017). Providing age-appropriate activities for youth in foster care: Policy

\implementation process in three states. ​Children and Youth Services Review,​ ​82,​ 383.

In ​Providing age-appropriate activities for youth in foster care: Policy implementation process

in three states, ​Sherri Simmons-Horton discusses the importance of implementing normalcy

policies in foster care. In the introduction, she showcases the need for “normalcy” policies as the,

“Given policies, as well as, systemic protocols and practices within the foster care system,youth
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are often hindered from enjoying the opportunity to engage in normal adolescent activities…” (p.

384). Simmons-Horton provides the definition of normalcy as,“...term used in the child welfare

system, referencing age and developmentally appropriate activities and encounters, which

promote healthy development of youth in foster care” (p. 384). Simmon-Horton also goes on to

analyze different states’ implementation of normalcy policies and its beneficial effects.

An adjunct professor at Tulane University School of Social Work, Sherri Simmons-Horton

credentials adds validity to her stance on the importance of normalcy in foster care. Her credible

experience in social work and the data provided in her journal article also supplement her

positions on normalcy.

“Overall, the stigma and deleterious experiences encountered in foster care compound the

complexities of the adolescent developmental milestone; an uncertain and confusing time for

teens.” (p. 384)

“Youth who have aged out of the system have noted positive experiences in foster care being

linked to their ability to have some control over their lives, being able to en-gage in hobbies or

interests, and being able to participate in activities with friends and in school with limited

supervision and agency over-sight” (p.384)

“Normalcy activities for adolescents are a mechanism for youth learning about themselves, their

interests, and how to prepare to navigate the world as an adult”(p. 384).

Tursky, S. (2019, February 25). Young adults 'aging out' of Arkansas foster care system struggle
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to adapt. Retrieved March 22, 2019, from Booneville Democrat

website:​https://www.boonevilledemocrat.com/news/20190225/young-adults-aging-out-of

-arkansas-foster-care-system-struggle-to-adapt

​Young adults ‘aging out’ of Arkansas foster care system struggle to adapt i​ s an investigative

news article, which is written by Snyde Tursky, that goes into extraneous detail about the

struggles youth in foster care face. Tursky tells the story about the Owens and Wilsons and their

struggle in dealing with the broken foster care system. Through their narrative, Tursky is able to

highlight how the instability of the system, as well as the abuse and neglect, traumatizes those

who age out of the foster care system. Through their narration, Tursky is able to expose the lack

of normalcy those in foster care face.

A detailed investigation on the corruption in the foster care system, this popular source primarily

uses ethos to support its evidence through the interviewee’s voices. The detailed account also

help subliminally advocates for the reform of the foster care system. It creates a feeling of pathos

as the traumatic retelling of events is emotional to say the least.

“For now, they are both trying to be the best versions of themselves and overcome the trauma

they experienced before and during their time in foster care”

“On average, children in Arkansas foster care are moved about six times for every three years in

care, according to the recent DCFS quarterly performance report. Teenagers are often moved

even more frequently.”

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“Foster children are often prescribed medications to manage behavioral and mental health issues

by multiple providers in rapid succession. Each child’s caseworker is tasked with approving new

medications, but because DCFS caseworkers may have dozens of cases, the decision can often be

made with little thought, said Carson, who used to be a DCFS caseworker.”

“Because it’s uncommon for older teenagers to be adopted, many are emancipated at age 18 or

21 without ever finding a permanent home. In the last state fiscal year, 235 young people “aged

out” of the Arkansas foster care system. Too old to be a ward of the state but unprepared to be

cast out on their own, they entered adult life highly disadvantaged.”

Section 3, Investigative Essay

Normalcy in the Foster Care System

The culmination of all these sources bring to unite one claim: normalcy in the foster care is

needed. Normalcy, as defined by one of the sources, is a ,“term used in the child welfare system,

referencing age and developmentally appropriate activities and encounters, which promote

healthy development of youth in foster care” (Simmons-Horton, 2017). The findings in the

sources denote the lack of normalcy in foster care being detrimental to the development of

youths and beyond.

Consequently, those who have experienced normalcy are shown to have a positive effect

as one source states, “Youth who have aged out of the system have noted positive experiences in

foster care being linked to their ability to have some control over their lives, being able to

en-gage in hobbies or interests, and being able to participate in activities with friends and in
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school with limited supervision and agency over-sight” (Simmons-Horton, 2017). Additionally,

the same source showcases the benefits of normalcy activities as, “a mechanism for youth

learning about themselves, their interests, and how to prepare to navigate the world as an adult”

(Simmons-Horton, 2017).

Moreover, normalcy is not just seen within foster care setting, but also in schools. One

source states, “This study's findings also offer compelling evidence regarding the value of school

as a normative experience for children and youth in care, one that provided them with welcome

normalcy and predict-ability” (Rutman & Hubberstey, 2018). As such, this source advocates for

less restrictive components that prohibit foster youth from having a “normal” educational

experience. While on the topic of the lack of normalcy, foster care system in some states show

how individuals are affected by it. One such source, written by someone who was in the foster

care system, states, “While other kids your age are obsessing about dating, summer vacation, or

what college to attend, you’re working a second shift at Denny’s, covered in days-old ketchup

because you don’t have access to a washer or dryer” (Meredith, 2019). Additionally, the

instability of foster care systems, in correlation to normalcy, also affect youth in care negatively.

This is seen as one source states, “On average, children in Arkansas foster care are moved about

six times for every three years in care, according to the recent DCFS quarterly performance

report. Teenagers are often moved even more frequently” (Tursky, 2019). In another instance,

foster care systems have been known to suppress youth in foster care through excessive

medication as the source has stated, “Foster children are often prescribed medications to manage

behavioral and mental health issues by multiple providers in rapid succession. Each child’s

caseworker is tasked with approving new medications, but because DCFS caseworkers may have
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dozens of cases, the decision can often be made with little thought, said Carson, who used to be a

DCFS caseworker” (Tursky, 2019).

Moreover, the stakeholders at large, as shown through these sources are not just youth in

foster care. In one source states, “With ‘normalcy’ laws in place, it has empowered foster parents

to feel like normal parents,” Connie says. “They can include their foster children in family

activities like family vacations and privileges” (Haynes, 2019).

Looping back, the primary stakeholders being foster youth, as mentioned previously,

suffer the most as the result of not having normalcy in foster care system. As such, one source

states how they use ​facades​ to appear normal. Therefore, all the sources relation is cemented on

the bases that normalcy in the foster care system improves the outcome of foster youth.

Section 4, Conclusion

Often an overlooked matter, normalcy in the foster care system is a concerning issue.

Imagine not having a normal child-hood, even a normal teen-hood, then being thrusted into the

adult world to fend for yourself. This is what a lot of foster youth in America face. The

assumption that normalcy is not important does little to improve the well being of those in and

after foster-care. As the research shows, normalcy is more than just learning to ride a bike or

sleeping over at a friends house. The social and life skills youth gain during these growing

periods of adolescence serves to better equip them when they are adults.Therefore, normalcy

policies should be normalcy in the foster care system to improve the well-being of those who are

left behind.
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