S2 E3 ‘Home was never a place’: One woman’s life in WA foster careS2 E3 ‘Home was never a place’: One woman’s life in WA foster care
Youth Today News
Janelle Braxton's journey through foster care highlights the need for better support and resources for youth transitioning to independent living.
32:12•21 Nov 2023
From Foster Care to Advocacy: Janelle Braxton's Unyielding Spirit
Episode Overview
- Janelle Braxton's journey through foster care and homelessness, and her advocacy work for foster and homeless youth
- Challenges and struggles faced by youth transitioning to independent living from the foster care system
- The need for better support and resources for young people leaving foster care
- Insights into the experiences of family separation and the impact on reunification
- Efforts to improve the system for foster and homeless youth through advocacy and policy change
“The state definitely can benefit by having people with lived experience of the foster care system or homelessness at the table, have an equal seat at the table, and not just asking them later down the road. Actually have them work alongside you so that you can figure out these issues a lot sooner.”
Janelle Braxton’s life in the foster care system was anything but stable. In this heartfelt episode of 'Youth Today News', she recounts her experiences of moving between more than eight homes before turning 21. The constant upheaval left her unprepared for adult life, lacking essential skills like budgeting and finding housing. After leaving foster care, Janelle faced further hardships, including a traumatic event that led her to couch-surf with friends and family.
But Janelle’s story is not just one of struggle; it’s a testament to resilience and advocacy. She and her mother, Debra, share their stories in the third part of a series on youth homelessness in Washington state. Janelle’s determination to help others in similar situations shines through as she works tirelessly to bring about change and improve support systems for foster and homeless youth.
This episode is a raw and powerful look at the gaps in the foster care system and the strength it takes to overcome them. Perfect for anyone interested in youth welfare, mental health, or social justice, this episode offers a compelling narrative that underscores the urgent need for better resources and support for young people transitioning out of foster care.
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