Fostering Families
“Foster Homes to Fashion Shows” (by Karen Shugart, Dec. 14) was difficult to read. As I realized just how many kids are now or will soon be moving into the world with no sense of family, most likely destined to the rolls of prison and welfare, my heart broke. We should all be ashamed by the fact that these children, Americans all, have to be paraded before the “eyes of the market” for the mere chance that someone might bring them into their lives, love them, imprint mutually with them, and become an ally with in a world that increasingly encourages isolation.
Perhaps something that could work to help the growing numbers of foster kids would be more exposure and discussion on both sides of the older kid adoption situation. Resources that in the future will be used to keep former foster kids on social payrolls could be invested now to create an environment that eases apprehension and gives more support to adopting adults. Every dollar spent at this stage will save hundreds later.
With more “marketing” and perhaps a political environment that is more civilian and less military, hopefully those of us who have experienced both the joy and misery of raising older kids could step up and really do something for somebody who is going to need some help.
Robert Hildreth, Charlotte
Where’s Boomer?
About “Backtalk: Letters from our readers (‘Actually no letters this week. You folks must be thoroughly satisfied with us.’ [editor’s comment on Contents page, Dec. 14])”: Do you really think so? I don’t. Where is the “Boomer with Attitude,” one of the best things you had in CL lately?
You know people notice things but a lot of them don’t want to hurt somebody’s feelings!! Hope the “Boomer with Attitude” will be back soon!
Betty Klima, Landis, NC
This article appears in Dec 28, 2005 – Jan 3, 2006.
