So before I even begin this long overdue post, I want to let everyone know, you are all in for a treat this weekend! I have a surprise post coming for you soon. I signed up for CCAI's professional blog and—well I'm quite proud of my work!
In other news, today marks my last year in my twenties. I wonder how many grey hairs I've got coming this year as I enter my final four semesters of my Bachelor's degree. If anyone is wondering how I am spending my birthday today, I've got an answer for you. I am spending it working on my Policy Report! Just kidding (well, sort of :-D ).
Actually, I will be participating in an EDM/Night Run! Check it out! It's the only fun run of its kind. I'm pretty excited to be running it with some friends. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my day of birth away from home.
A few quick highlights as I finished my second week on the Hill:
- I met and took pictures with both Senator Bennet (CO - D) AS WELL AS the 76th Secretary of the Navy—Richard V. Spencer.
- I received edits on the first draft of my Policy Report
- I sat in on a lecture with Minority Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi
- I've learned a plethora of new terms I wasn't aware of existed (when I say I have no political background whatsoever, I meant it!)
- I faced additional challenges and struggles I had to overcome, one being confrontation on the D.C. Metro (It was pretty scary, actually)
- I told my story in front of CCAI's Advisory Council (Including Representative Aderholt [R - AL], Representative Mullin [R - OK] and Representative Bass [D - CA]
If you would like a sneak peek of my most recent Executive Summary (I promise it will be edited again, as I am not where I want to be yet) see below:
Executive Summary
Youth placed in foster care are disadvantaged in a variety of different ways compared to their non-foster care counterparts. This includes but is not limited to: potential absence of one (sometimes) both parents, neglect, malnourishment, homelessness, and abuse. Additionally, youth in care who identify within the LGBTQ+ community are over-represented in child welfare. The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being– II (NSCAW-II) completed a study estimating approximately 22.8 percent of children in out-of-home care identified as LGBTQ+. Youth in care identifying LGBTQ+ are at greater risk of experiencing violence or being victimized. With such knowledge and information, it is imperative the foster care placement process be revised. LGBTQ+ youth struggle in the child welfare system more than youth who identify as heterosexual. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk to experience negative health and life outcomes Therein having such knowledge, I strongly recommend incorporating and improving all-inclusive research/evidence-based training for all professionals and foster parents working within the child welfare system; special attention to the over-represented LGBTQ+ community. I also urge states should revise their foster care placement processes to ensure the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Finally, states should be required to implement federal non-discrimination laws to ensure proper treatment of this marginalized community.
Well, I don't want to bore you to death, so I will leave you with some famous words from Madonna:
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always become a better version of yourself.” – Madonna
Until Next Time folks!
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