1. Life in Foster Care:Life in Foster Care:
How to ManageHow to Manage
By: Dam “Joe” LeBy: Dam “Joe” Le

2. Struggle of Adjusting…Struggle of Adjusting…
• Why did this happen to me!??!Why did this happen to me!??!
• Feelings of regret and frustrationFeelings of regret and frustration
• ““Home” sickHome” sick
• Rebellion stageRebellion stage
• Sense of being an outcastSense of being an outcast
• Didn’t know what to doDidn’t know what to do
• Didn’t know what laid aheadDidn’t know what laid ahead
• Rights!!??!!Rights!!??!!

3. Safest place and accepting itSafest place and accepting it
• Had nowhere to goHad nowhere to go
• The state took overThe state took over
• Knew that this was bestKnew that this was best
• Stop B*^#%ing and do something about itStop B*^#%ing and do something about it
• Life does go onLife does go on

4. Bipolar I with rapid cyclingBipolar I with rapid cycling
• Defined as having four or more distinct episodesDefined as having four or more distinct episodes
of depression and hypomania or mania a yearof depression and hypomania or mania a year
• Felt depressed some months and manic otherFelt depressed some months and manic other
monthsmonths
• Normal mood in between episodesNormal mood in between episodes

5. Worker cooperation and taking fullWorker cooperation and taking full
advantage of services they offeradvantage of services they offer
• Listen to you worker…they know their stuffListen to you worker…they know their stuff
• Did what worker and I thought would be bestDid what worker and I thought would be best
for me (even though I had no input in somefor me (even though I had no input in some
decisions)decisions)
• Know what you get as services…ask yourKnow what you get as services…ask your
worker!!!worker!!!

6. Accept responsibility for behaviorAccept responsibility for behavior
• How you behave is up to you…own yourHow you behave is up to you…own your
behavior!!!behavior!!!
• Don’t blame the department for everything andDon’t blame the department for everything and
anything…it is not their faultanything…it is not their fault

7. I did it!!!I did it!!!
• Had struggles dealing with bipolarHad struggles dealing with bipolar
• Overcame fearsOvercame fears
• Learned trustLearned trust
• Church, school, and “homes” really supportiveChurch, school, and “homes” really supportive
• You can do it!!!You can do it!!!
• ETV’S (Educational Training Vouchers)ETV’S (Educational Training Vouchers)
• Tuition WaiverTuition Waiver

8. Transitioning out or aging outTransitioning out or aging out
• Can I do this? YesCan I do this? Yes
• What has helped me? (Saving money, counselorsWhat has helped me? (Saving money, counselors
at school and “home”, friends)at school and “home”, friends)
• Don’t fight the court or department…they willDon’t fight the court or department…they will
always winalways win
• Save Save and SAVESave Save and SAVE

9. Anything different???Anything different???
• Utilize your resourcesUtilize your resources
• Inspire yourselfInspire yourself
• Ask, Ask and ASK questionsAsk, Ask and ASK questions
• Never ever ever GIVE UP!!!Never ever ever GIVE UP!!!
• Its your turn nowIts your turn now