Olivia Snoke
Have you ever been told “you don’t understand what it's like” by a person who is/was in foster care? There is no class in college, no book you can read, no movie to watch, no training or situation in your work that can give you the understanding like lived experience. This is a powerful training to shift the mental models for foster care stakeholders and the public to help better empathize with the children/youth in foster care without asking them to share their traumatic stories on stage to an audience of strangers. Emerging Phoenix believes their stories are sacred and designed this simulation to make a major impact without asking them to share what they are uncomfortable with sharing. Audiences will get an experience based off what the majority in foster care experience instead of one person's account.
Ideal participants for this simulation are in close proximity with the foster care system;
Social Workers, Foster Care Supervisors, Policy Makers, Judges, Attorneys, Guardian Ad Litems/Court Appointed Special Advocates, Foster/Adoptive Parents, Mentors, Teachers, Counselors, Community Members, etc. It is highly encouraged that participants attend with someone they know such as a family member or co-worker.
The simulation set up is like an escape room. There are 6 “stations” and the various roles filled by Facilitators with lived experience. Some stations will simulate the process of entering foster care. Other stations will simulate some of the key concepts experienced in foster care. The simulation last for 45-60 mins on average. After there is a debrief to explain how the simulation relates to what children/youth are experiencing in the foster care system. The debrief can last 30 to 60 mins.
Approximately 10 individuals with lived experience in foster care (over age of 14) will be paid to facilitate this simulation and assist with the debrief to clarify why these key concepts are so prevalent for the young people living in foster care. It is preferred these 10 individuals were/are served by the agencies hosting or participating in the simulation. Facilitators receive an hour of training before the simulation starts to prepare them for their role and to handle any situations that might arise.
"One Mile in Foster Shoes" was created by youth in foster care and alumni.
The stress, confusion and trauma background of youth should be more fully considered. In the simulation there were lots of people asking me to do things I didn't understand, and trying get to very personal information from me.
I was not sure what to expect from the simulation! I was extremely uncomfortable with the constant changing, shifting, starting over and having to interact in situations that felt unknown.
In the simulation, it was weird not knowing what the rules were or how to move forward. I found comfort in having a partner, but it was frustrating that their mistakes were my mistakes. It was upsetting to lose items and be given gross stuff.
I walked into the simulation, at Intake things went down hill. I was annoyed with the lack of direction and the rules being unclear. I found a space I loved because no one wanted anything from me. I found communication is key and will be more mindful of how transitions impact our youth.
It was uncomfortable for 45 mins; I can't imagine it for days, weeks, months, years! I have a greater understanding of youth's experience. I will be focusing on asking good questions, checking in and explaining what's being done. This really showed us the reality of entering into this system!
This makes you think about how everything is up in the air for kids in care. It must be disorienting. The simulation helped me see through the eyes of the children I'm looking to find families for while knowing real life is significantly worse.
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