I Survived Foster Care
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2018
- Brandon, who lived in and out of foster care most of his childhood, has survived and over come a system that was not built with his success in mind. What have you survived?
Featuring Brandon Brown @brandonbrownb
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If you have a foster child, please treat them well. Treat them like you would treat your child. Give them all the love that they deserve.
I was a foster child and I believe what he said about the parents is true
I am sorry I can't think of a cool username I like you're username
me me thank you so much😊
True very true
Yesssss please do ! My mom was a foster mom...it was amazing we had this lovely girl and I’m an only child but she was like a younger sister. I never had that kind of connection with someone like a sibling. We treated her like family and I miss her so much.I still cry about it today.One day she went to school and someone made an Anonymous phone call that me and my foster sister were being abuse and that my mom did drugs and alcohol.which is the most crazy thing I’ve heard.(Later we found out it was one of my moms ex friends who did that out of jealousy) but we never saw her since.We never got to say goodbye or anything.We were cleared that there was in fact no abuse but we still could not foster her again or say goodbye.It’s sad because she was doing so well with us.when she came she was almost 6 and not potty trained. She was potty training and her speaking improved.She even got recognized at her school for ‘most improved’
I miss her with all my heart and if I could have one wish it would be to have her back or even just see her again.
I can really relate to this story...I entered foster care when I was 7 following severe abuse and neglect, and aged out at 18...now I'm 26 and about to start my third year in law school...thank you for sharing your story 💜💜💜
I am so very proud of you. You are definitely living proof that you can achieve accomplishments regardless of your situation.
Good for you!! Great job!
God bless you! I was in foster care since 3, been in 3 different homes and when I turned 17 I was adopted and when I turned 18 I was on my own, they were done financially.
So when they dropped me off to college, they drove me to the dorm, they unloaded my belongings and left. I had no idea then I would have no home to go to when school ended in the spring. I am the first to obtain a bachelors degree (many years later on my own) in my biological family and the 2nd I think in that adopted family. It was hard to deprogram all the verbal and mental abuse I endured in my teens. It was hell. I know the Lord was with me every step of the way guiding me. I have not seen those people since I was 18. I survived and thank the divine universe every day.
@@TheFabulousLV Congratulations for your accomplishments...That's amazing! I believe it's less than 3% of former foster youths earn a BA. Keep striving and achieving your goals!
@@TheFabulousLV wow, that's so sad that they left you after you entered college. I dont get why they adopted if they didn't plan to make a long-term commitment. I'm thinking of adopting, but it would be for a forever child.
Stories like this reassure my goal to become a foster parent in the future.
Me too. I would adopt eveyone if I could.
You two should totally look into it because we need more of you. It's probably one of the hardest things to do but it's worth it.
That's great and I admire your heart for this... I would recommend doing as much research as you can before making the decision...what isn't talked about here (or hardly at all anywhere) is that being a foster patent is extremely hard too...it can be difficult to care for someone so broken who can act out, and whose behavioral issues get worse with age...on the flip side, a lot of foster patents get attached to a kid, and feel like the child is their own, but then might have to say goodbye if the child gets reunited with their biological patents
Please do we need more foster parents
Same here. Once I get my crap together I'm definitely fostering a bunch of kids.
Kids should NEVER need to be so tough... Such a remarkable young man!
WHY do they put kids in detention centers (jail) for doing nothing wrong?? The system is so screwed up & it hasn't gotten better through the years either.I can't imagine being torn out of a family home & thrown in with strangers, these poor kids.
They are property of the state. Fathers have been removed from the homes.
Carol Tassin my SIL works for CPS as a Social Worker... there aren't enough Foster Parents/ Foster Homes is partly why...
Deep Verma no.
I think that they should try and help the bio family.
Why not just keep him at foster home he was in?
Brandon is living proof that we can be anything we want to be and do anything we want to do if we remain grateful and treat our hardships as our greatest teachers. No one should experience such hardship, but I admire the positivity which fuelled him through!
When I was 9 I was in foster care after my baby sister died. They convinced an aunt that I barely knew of to take me in just a few days later. I came back home just a few months later and I still hold anger towards my mother for not visiting as much as she could. For staying away when I was unfamiliar with my surroundings and felt unwelcome in an unfamiliar home. After I came home off the school bus to police and investigators with cameras and clipboards roaming my house. After my baby sister, the light of my world, died and I didn't know how or why. When I was taken away by a stranger in a van to a foster home without any knowledge of where my mother was or what was going on. When counselors that told me I could trust them lied and twisted my words to tell a different story to the news. To the courts. When I lost my child hood. She stayed away by choice. I lost so much of myself and I've had emotional issues ever since. I forgive her a litte more every day because I may have lost a sister, but she lost a daughter. I try to understand but those trust issues that implanted themselves in me and the anxiety and depression that followed makes the grudge hard to dislodge. Now I want to be a foster parent to give kids who had it way worse than me a place they can feel safe until everything works out. I don't want any more kids to have to jump from house to house. It isn't fair to them. The system isn't right. I got it easier than a lot of kids who enter the system so I know that I can't complain myself but I can sure complain for all the kids that are still there and not being treated fairly.
This man's story is amazing and I'm glad life worked out for him. It isn't easy not to give up. That's strength ✊🏽❤
ryanne helms i hope one day you become the foster parent who makes all the difference in your children’s lives :) you have a heart of gold, any child who has you to call their own will be very lucky.
ryanne helms
qubie
Thank you so much ❤ I really hope I can be.
Wow, what a comeback!
OMG I cried from watching this. Stay Strong brother!
This kid is a miracle! Kids in foster care face horrible odds. I’ve been researching for class and they fare poor across many domains. I was in the system too. This young man is resilient indeed.
This really inspired me. I survived 20 foster homes, group homes and shelters. Your residence and strength changes the world everyday. This video broke me down and reminded me how precious it is to live fully.. Thank you for sharing!!!!!
Former foster kid here, I'm proud of you! We are survivors and our past does not have to hold us down unless we let it dominate us! I hope you find happiness and peace
Beautiful. I am proud of this young man.
I'm in the process of adopting 3 siblings from foster care. Hoping to bring them home before Christmas. A lot of people I knew grew up in the system it's very disheartening.
You're an amazing person though, thank you for sharing.
Dominica Witt you’re a brilliant human being. if you feel comfortable i would love to hear your story and process through youtube videos.
I hope everything went well and that they’re doing okay 💛
Me and my partner want to be foster parents in the future, but our families and friends all try to discourage us. They tell us that it's a lot of trouble and that the children are often difficult. I just want to open my house and my heart to someone in need, and I believe in equal chances for all kids, no matter the background. Does anyone have any advice?
are any of those people actually foster parents, or are they going off of stereotypes and anecdotes they’ve heard in their lives? seek advice from people who have the experience and will be fully honest with you about the ups and downs involved. the fact that you’re willing to try already says so many good things about you and your partner’s character, and that kind of love is just what those kids need.
As a former foster. My advice is if God puts it into your heart to become a foster parent you should do it. If you are good loving people a child will love and respect you rather they are a foster child our not. My advice is to start with younger ages because it is easier to train children at a young age.
qubie Thank your so much for your kind words! They don't talk from experience at all, I think it's just stereotypes. I discovered recently that a man I thought was my cousin is not actually related to me, but was a foster child of one of my great-aunts and she raised him almost all his life. I've been told she dedicated her entire life to the children she fostered, and for that she's an inspiration to me.
Jasmin Wiley Thank you for your advice! Actually we've been thinking about fostering teenagers, the ones people usually don't want... (at least that's how it is in my country, France). But maybe we need to mature a bit more before we try that, perhaps when we're older and more experienced in life. I'm sure God will guide us when the time comes.
As a Foster and adoptive mother myself it is hard. And you are going to get difficult kids at sometimes they could have came from Pure chaos ,could have had a good previous foster home before you but maybe never received any discipline it is definitely not easy but it is worth it.
Your strength is an inspiration. Nothing but love and respect to you, a bright future is ahead, I know it.
Proud man! That you can talk about this like that! Respect✌✌
From someone raised in fostercare here is my story well some of it
As someone raised in the foster car system for 8 years after my mom's passing at 10 let me tell you I have PTSD from it and still wake up with nightmares thinking I'm back in those times I was more abused by foster parents who just wanted the check i was in 25 homes in 8 years and only 1 family was good too me they would put me in group homes when there wasn't enough beds and sometimes juvenile detention halls if they needed a rest pit home they separated my sister and I and rarely let's us see each other and this wasn't my workers fault it's the corrupt system too the point my worker was gonna take me in as a foster kid when she's never done that before but she was denied man I could go on and go kinda hard too speak about 8 terrible years in a few minutes but what that being said I got a job at my own car and license and ran away I turned my self in at 18 and they released me I felt like I was freshly realised from prison half the DCF workers don't give a damn and same goes for the foster parents I had some where we where locked up in our rooms and fed moldy old food while they at McDonald's as a family in the dining room I've had my stuff stolen such as clothes etc. They refused too bring me too my mother's grave etc.. still effecting me in my mid 20s I've had my own places for years now but for some reason they never feel like home I don't bother decorating or anything because it seems temporary my heart goes out too all you guys in the system I'm not attempting too save up enough money too buy my first home where I can officially call it MY HOME considering I always jump from apartment too apartment landlords love me and I have great references but for some reason I always moved I haven't lived in a house for more than my yearly lease for some reason when I was raised in foster care longest i lived in a home was 6 months then i would be bounced around last time I felt like at home and reside at a residence for than a year was back in 06 when my mom was alive 14 years I've been bouncing around I enlisted in the army as 31 bravo and 2 weeks before my ship date I was hit by a drunk driver and it ruined my military career life hasn't been easy but I'm not giving up yet! Gonna keep pushing till I can save up enough too buy my first HOME kinda hard though due too covid and loosing my job but I have 25k so far and I'm gonna keep trying!!
You got this man ! 💪
I would like to pray and I hope this is okay. Father in the mighty name of Jesus: we ask you lift this brother up and heal the inner soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Provide your rays of sunshine in his life, let him to know his purpose is in you and you said you will never leave of us as orphans, as you are our father. It is you and only you who we depend on to do the impossible. You love each one of us, you know us, we are in the family of god. We bind the purpose this displacement in his life meant to cause and we thank god he has another chance at life for you are merciful and you love him. Your peace your power your joy. Your forgiving power, your will. We bind every evil act of unkindness, for you make victories out of these trials. Because my God is glorified and can do the IMPOSSIBLE. You can calm a troubled mind and give clarity. Jesus you love him. You said it in your word and you died for us. Make him a brand new man, the blood of Jesus is against the enemy and we declare it will and always will prevail. Amen. I am so proud of you for making it this far, create your future, you have a chance.
I feel this 100%. I was a foster child and everything he has to day is valid. I know from experience what's it's like to feel like you don't have purpose or meaning in this world when a family doesn't want you, and realizing that that's not the case is so important. Make something of yourself. Make the tough times and life experiences worth something, and channel into your passions for life. We made it, and that an accomplishment on its own.
He is incredibly attractive. His soul is so pure. I’m so thankful for his vulnerability and transparency in this video. May God continue to bless Brandon and his family abundantly.
thank you so much Sabrina!
I aged out of the system in 2012 and had a hard time in there. A month ago I graduated and got certified for one of the highest paying trades in the US. Its hard but possible.
You are strong young man with a good head on your shoulders making good choices and just in case somebody didn't tell you today that they're proud of you, I am.
My family fostered lots of kids and it can be so hard from the other end, only having kids for a little bit and not seeing them again. This is so inspiring and makes me want to foster even more!
giving voices to these people and kids is so good
*Like he did, you can overcome!*
Oh wow I’ve seen this guy freestyle on ADD’s channel. Glad to see he made it despite all the struggle
I've been in care since the age of 3 (I'm just about to turn 18) and its not as bad as its depicted. I've had my fair share of shitty carers but I'm with brilliant ones at the moment. It depends on the family you get sent to
Laura Obinduka i’m really glad you’ve had positive experiences, but for some people, it’s even worse than depicted. 💜
Laura, me and my partner want to become foster parents in the future, do you have any advice? I would be interested to hear things from a foster child's perspective, what the children might need or expect (even though I know every child is different).
If you & partner go though with this. Make sure your heart and soul is fully in it. If youre not 100%, if wont reflect well in your caring skills. Treat the child as if he or she came from your own womb. Give them an abundance of love because they'll need it. You're amazing for even considering it & i wish you the best of luck:)
I totally agree...everyone's experiences are different...I consider the parents I aged out with my family...but it took a while to get there...I think it's amazing that you found something similar :)
I'm glad you got placed with a nice family. Honestly. You are lucky.
This is such good news!!
Thank you for sharing your story
So proud of you😊
Such an inspiration youngman. Be blessed!!!
What a great story. Thanks for sharing. Very inspirational.
All the best to you young man. Your story gave me goosebumps. Glad that you used your situations as driving force rather than the latter. Proud of you.
I was in FC as well. So much love being sent your way brother. I'm proud of you. #FOSTERSQUAD #GANGGANG 🙌
I’m so sorry for what you went through. No child should ever have to fight their way to love and acceptance. Be very proud that you have overcome the odds! Huge respect!
this story touched my soul. so happy for you. continued success and blessings to you young man.
You are amazing. Thank you! 💖
SO PROUD OF YOU, YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU ARE EXCEPTIONAL!
Soul Pancake really lives up to its name, I just love the 'I survived' series
That's an awesome testimony! God bless you!
You are a hero for all you went through and I am so proud of you through the screen. You are the hero of your own story.
My mom and dad are foster parents, and I'm a fosterbrother. We treat all the kids with patience and we have very fun with them.
I hope Buffalo State sees this and asks you to be a speaker at their commencement. I graduated from there as well, and I would have rather heard your story rather then a senator’s. You’re amazing.
Brandon, you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story. 🙏
You are an incredibly strong and inspirational. I just finished my foster parent training. Thank you for sharing your story.
Bless this young man! He deserves every happiness he finds! I hope he can create his own happy, loving family someday soon with a woman he loves!
I am researching on CLA in the UK and this video broke my heart! The situation is the same in here. Well done and salute to this young wonderful gentleman who is an inspiration for all !!!!
Amazing testimony! God bless him and his family! 💕💕💕
so Glad you made it!!
You are one amazing person! I hope that your life will bring you nothing but joy, happiness, prosperity, and love.
yooooo i went to school with him and his brother deshawn man life was wild. i wondered what happened to him WOW
1:05 This is so true. I developed a siorder called Reactive Attachment Disorder due to this. I was in 18 homes in 8 years.
What a strong young man I am so proud of him
This is quite a journey you have survived a lot. I was happy to hear a positive ending despite your challenges.
Beautiful soul. Handsome young man. Amazing work. Just wow.
hey!!! fingerlakes!! represent!! Good for you this is inspiring and important. Thanks for sharing your story and sharing the parts that may have been difficult. God bless you man
1:27 A Foster child that I was an advocate for, went to her 1st foster family after being in several group homes. One day she skipped half a day of school, and did some other things (I don't want to give to much detail.)
Everyone was upset with her and couldn't believe she would do such things. Even the foster kid fest that she knew that she messed up.
But when I thought about it, she was actually improving greatly. Her mom and step dad had her skip about 80% of school days, and doing illegal activities with her. She had just came out of rehab facilities where she was surrounded by people who did a lot worse. The day she skipped only a half day of school was an improvement to what was normal to her.
You are absolutely wonderful young man..I'm proud of you..blessings to you🙏From another person who was in foster care & had difficult experiences.
Brandon you are an amazing young man. I am so happy to hear about your relationship with your mom
This is literally how being in homes like that feels:
Your taken away from your family
No friends
Trust no body
Moving 24/7
Depressed
But you can do it. God made you for a reason, so live for it
Congratulations young man🙌🏾
Thank you for your story. Way to go Brandon!
God Bless you! So proud of you
So sad. Im glad to hear him speak hope he heals.
Wow! I'm so glad I watched this. I had no idea that foster children could be placed in a detention centre! Why is that even an option? I find it so heartbreaking to think that foster children could be treated like this when all they should ever feel is love and a safe place to call home. Brandon is a perfect example of inner strength, how you can truly come out of anything and how one opportunity can change your life for you to become the amazing person you were meant to be. Thank you to Soul Pancake and Brandon for sharing this!
wow what an incredible person he is and has become.
Hugs to you, Brandon! Grateful you are on the other side and not blaming your Mom. You prevailed, as you said and I wish you the best life ever from now on!
I’m very proud of you, for your Perseverance May God Bless the rest of your life with peace joy and prosperity. Keep going never stop never quit! I’m praying for you
The ill treatment of children in foster care system is inhuman and unjust and putting them in detention centers when they are already so vulnerable opens them up so many things
I am so proud of you and that you over came
Ok as a foster kid now seeing all these nice comments are actually making me emotional
You have to have lived it to feel what this man is saying not to many young men go through the system and come out the other side has put together is this young man much respect
You are amazing!!!
I'm sorry Brandon. 😭
Praying for you. 🙏🙏🙏
Keep at it man, you're story is inspirational. Buffalo Pride...
I am fed up living with the system and if one home can’t deal with you anymore they give a 30 day notice to the agency and then you transition to another home. I’m like do they realize how hard it is for a child or teen to get taken away from their damn parents who couldn’t be able to take care of them. I’m ready to move out! Anyways thanks for sharing your story! Glad you proved them all wrong that you don’t need any of them to care for you. Your intelligent and you got this!
Boosted my self-esteem, amazing!
You are an amazing young man blessings to you King
It’s not healthy and it makes me emotional thinking that I’m not the only one who feels like this. I’m 17 and in the Foster Care System. I’ve stayed strong my whole life to be there for my sister and brother who are also in with me. I haven’t let the System get the best of me. Life is more than just the System. Life is amazing. Thank you for this video
Blessing be upon you young man God bless you you have a living testimony praise God🙏
Amazing young man. I've never their thought that kids in foster care were there "because it's fault." I always thought some were orphaned and others were taken away from their parent for various reasons - drug addiction, abuse, etc. Good for this young man to rise above a very difficult childhood!
The least to say about him is that he’s an amazing human being ❤️
Very inspiring!!!
This young man's story happened to my 5&6 year old son's over a span of almost FIVE YEARS before I finally got them back!
He's so handsome ❤️
Good luck Brandon and good for you :)
I was put into a high security group home just because they didn't have any foster homes for me. First night my roommate got his head split open by another kid. Blood squirting everywhere. He's not kidding when he says you have to become a man overnight.
Do proud of you, bless you son
You make the world a better place
GOD BLESS YOU! You are a miracle❤️
A handsome, brave, brilliant, good person of a young man & look at him go, no backgrounds can with hold strength and pursuit, congratulations 🎊 ❤️
He is so well mannered and well spoken. He will do great things in his life! May Jesus bless him
Bravo! 😍
I am also a fostered child. I'm building a website and social network for us. I'll let you know the URL when I purchase it. I'll have it soon. I'm still working through some details. I am proud of you for what you've done and how you have succeeded. Good Man.
What a wonderful young man.
SO PROUD OF YOU !!!!!!!!!!
You are awesome !!!
Damn this hit home. I was in the system for 8 years.
It is important to recognize that dysfunctional families and systems that fail to properly care for children are crimes against humanity. I hope that in the years since this video was made, Brandon has come to understand his own potential and has worked to make the most of his talents and positive character. Meeting him must be a true blessing, as he is living proof that greatness is not a confusing or uncertain starting point, but rather a clear and attainable goal. Much love...
I was in foster care for 10 years... Really messed me up but I am going to be attending my second program in college and I hope to be a social worker!
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!
what an inspiring young man.