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Asking a *good* question about the book

Commenting on one of the questions I ask in the Padlet

Adding a quote from the book that you think is important with a picture. The quote should include the page number. Example: “Blah, blah blah blaaaaah”---page 3 (You need to explain the quote and why you like it/think it’s important. You won’t get a dollar just for picking random words)

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How do you think you would feel living with new people every few months like Hollis does?

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How do you think you would feel living with new people every few months like Hollis does?

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Whether foster care seems like something you're called to or your are simply curious to learn more, you're in the right place. On any given day, nearly 407,000 children are in foster care in America. That includes more than 40,000 children in areas served by KVC Health Systems.

The primary goal of foster care is reunification. At KVC, we work toward this goal by helping families with the tools and support they need to function in a healthy way. Foster care provides families space to address challenges until safe reunification is possible. We help foster parents and birth parents work together to reunite families when the work has been done to stabilize circumstances and strengthen individuals.

The Statistics: Children in Foster Care

Children in foster care typically range from infants to 18 year olds. Several states extend foster care to age 21. The average age of a child in foster care is nine years old, and there are slightly more boys than girls. The median amount of time a child spends in foster care is just over a year. Clearly, the need for foster parents is great.

Fortunately, nearly half of these children will be safely reunified with their parents or primary caregivers. Nearly one-quarter will be adopted, many by their foster parents. On the other hand, more than 15,000 18-year-olds age out of the foster care system each year without reuniting with their families or being adopted. Some states offer independent living services to help these youth transition to adulthood, but policies like these are not universal.

Areas of Extreme Need in Foster Care in America

Across the nation, we're seeing When teenagers age out of the foster care system without a permanent support system, they're at a greater risk for homelessness, young parenthood, incarceration and more. And even for someone aging out of the foster care system who continues their education, finds safe housing, and lands a good job, connection still matters. On an emotional level, simply turning 18 doesn't signal full independence. an increasing need for foster parents who are able to care for teenagers. The older a foster child gets, the less likely that child is to receive care from a foster family: of children under 12 live with a family, compared to only of those who are 13 and older. We all need connection, regardless of our age.

Caring for teenagers may seem intimidating at first. But many foster parents have come to love the experience of fostering teens . Caring for a teen is certainly different from caring for a baby or young child - but there are many joys to be found while caring for kids of all ages! Toddlers require more attention with basic needs, but teens can be empowered by learning life skills from foster parents.

We also see a great need for foster homes that will accept sibling groups. Statistics show that more than 50% of all children in foster care have one or more . For children to thrive, it's helpful to keep siblings together. Unfortunately, data shows that these siblings are separated in more than 70% of placements. At KVC Health Systems, we do everything we can to keep siblings together in order to preserve that bond and feeling of safety. Having numerous foster homes that are willing to take siblings in makes this mission possible.

There's a particular n eed for diversity in foster parents as well. Minority children ar e overrepresented in foster care in America. While Black children make up 14% of the United States child population, they account for 20% of those entering the child welfare system. Similarly, American Indian and Native Alaskan children are 1% of the US child population, but account for over 2% of those entering care. LGBTQIA+ children are also over-represented. Placing these children in homes that reflect their background and culture can be helpful in achieving positive outcomes.

The need for more foster homes continues. Each year foster homes close due to adoption or personal circumstance. As these homes close, the need is great for new homes to replenish the availability of safe, supportive environments for children experiencing foster care.

How You Can Make a Difference

While many of the issues the foster system faces are legislative and financial, there are many things you can do to help on a grassroots level. Families experiencing crises need our help. You can help strengthen families, support children who have experienced trauma and make a positive impact in your community in the following ways:

Learn More About Foster Care: You don't have to commit to becoming a foster parent from the get-go. Simply learning more about foster care and what the experience might look like for you and your family is an important first step. Learn more about foster care in your state and educate yourself on this essential need.

Overcome Misconceptions: At KVC, we welcome anyone with an open heart. There are many misconceptions about what a foster parent can or should look like. Many families have the potential to be a great foster family! Whether you are married or single, LGBTQIA+ or of any religious affiliation: all are eligible to be a foster parent.

Raise Funds: There are many different ways you can support foster care and the children we serve through generous donations and participation in community events. As the saying goes, it takes a village - and you're invited to become part of it. By joining our monthly giving program, you'll be an Everyday Hero supporting foster and adoptive families. With a gift of $1,000 or more, you can become a part of the President's Innovation Circle. KVC is committed to being an organization you can trust with 90% of donations going toward program expenses.

The is a wonderful opportunity to support the community in the Kansas City area while enjoying a night of entertainment. Check our website for upcoming events to show your support of KVC and the families we serve.

Educate and Advocate: By staying informed about what's happening with the child welfare system and foster care in America, and advocating for prevention efforts that strengthen families in your local community, you can make an impact in the lives of children near you.

Consider following your state's government agency responsible for providing child welfare services. Follow KVC's blog and social media channels . We post helpful articles, success stories and free resources about child welfare, parenting and mental wellness. When you share the challenges families are facing with others and rally them to get involved, you can make a positive impact in your community.

Explore a Career in Social Work: Social work is a diverse helping profession that serves people in need. If you've considered a career in social work, now is a great time to learn more. Read about Five Reasons to Pursue a Career in Social Work or browse our open positions on our careers page.

The next step to support children and families in foster care is to simply learn more . KVC is here to support you and answer your questions no matter where you are in your foster care journey.

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Foster Care in America: Realities, Challenges and Solutions

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Whether foster care seems like something you're called to or your are simply curious to learn more, you're in the right place. On any given day, nearly 407,000 children are in foster care in America. That includes more than 40,000 children in areas served by KVC Health Systems. The primary goal of foster care is reunification.

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Who does Hollis live with? Why do you think she lives with these people?

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Who does Hollis live with? Why do you think she lives with these people?

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Hollis is a child in the foster care system. She lives with people who are not her family. We will find out later in the book why she does not live with her real family.

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Many of America's child welfare systems are badly broken - and children can suffer serious harm as a result. Some will be separated from their siblings. Others will be bounced from one foster care placement to another, never knowing when their lives will be uprooted next. Too many will be further abused in systems that are supposed to protect them. And instead of being safely reunified with their families - or moved quickly into adoptive homes - many will languish for years in foster homes or institutions.

On any given day, there are nearly 437,000 children in foster care in the United States.

In 2018, nearly 690,000 children spent time in U.S. foster care.

On average, children remain in state care for nearly two years and six percent of children in foster care have languished there for five or more years.

Despite the common perception that the majority of children in foster care are very young, the average age of kids entering care is 8.

In 2018, one third of children entering U.S. foster care were young people of color.

While most children in foster care live in family settings, a substantial minority - 10 percent - live in institutions or group homes.

In 2018, more than 71,000 children - whose mothers' and fathers' parental rights had been legally terminated - were waiting to be adopted.

In 2018, more than 17,000 young people aged out of foster care without permanent families. Research has shown that those who leave care without being linked to forever families have a higher likelihood than youth in the general population to experience homelessness, unemployment and incarceration as adults.

While states should work rapidly to find safe permanent homes for kids, on any given day children available for adoption have spent an average of about one and a half years waiting to be adopted since their parental rights were terminated.

Stay informed about our fight for neglected and abused children across the nation- join our e-mail list for updates.

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Many of America's child welfare systems are badly broken - and children can suffer serious harm as a result. Some will be separated from their siblings. Others will be bounced from one foster care placement to another, never knowing when their lives will be uprooted next.

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What is the difference between the pictures and the chapters?

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What is the difference between the pictures and the chapters?

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The first picture is from an alphabet project at school, where Hollis is to find a picture of a W word. She picks a picture of a family to stand for "WISH." A kid makes fun of her so Hollis is sent out, but leaves school. We learn that she is punished where she's staying then. But we ultimately learn that now, when she thinks of this picture, she thinks of the Regan family---and when she ran away from them.

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The mustard woman drives Hollis to her new home and explains that this place was chosen for Hollis because the woman who lives there is an artist, and Mr. Regan thought it would be good for Hollis to practice her drawing. Hollis takes in her new environment and new guardian and thinks she just may stay a while.

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Josie has a knife when we meet her because she makes wood carvings. She'll make one of Hollis, if Hollis stays a while. 

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Josie has a knife when we meet her because she makes wood carvings. She'll make one of Hollis, if Hollis stays a while. 

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"How'd you get a name like that, Hollis Woods, crazy name? Do they call you Holly? We have a pile of holly bushes out in front. Touch the leaves and they draw blood. I'm gonna call you Holly." ---Steven Regan pg 15

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"How'd you get a name like that, Hollis Woods, crazy name? Do they call you Holly? We have a pile of holly bushes out in front. Touch the leaves and they draw blood. I'm gonna call you Holly." ---Steven Regan pg 15

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The second picture is of Steven and it serves as a memory of Hollis arriving in to Branches to stay the summer with a family called Regan. As Hollis takes in Steven and the Old Man, she starts realize what it could be like to have a brother.

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Chapter 2
As Hollis eats breakfast at Josie's house, she learns the Josie is taking her out somewhere instead of school that day. This is fine to Hollis as she'd rather be anywhere but school--in fact she's been forging absences notes. They go out to the Atlantic Ocean, but it only makes Hollis think of the Delaware River. Josie and Hollis are both "water people." While Hollis bonds with Josie, she feels sad and pained. She misses the Regans, but still decided she can stay with Josie for a while.

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Josie lives in a place called Long Island, which is close to the Atlantic Ocean

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Josie lives in a place called Long Island, which is close to the Atlantic Ocean

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The third picture is fishing in the Delaware. The Old Man is teaching Hollis to fish and she shares a bonding moment with the each of the Regans. She comes to understand the the East Branch of the Delaware River is home. She falls into the river and catches her first fish. When she looks at the picture now, she remembers every sensory moment with the family.

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The East Branch of the Delaware River is where Hollis feels at home with the Regans.

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The East Branch of the Delaware River is where Hollis feels at home with the Regans.

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We begin to get more glimpses into Josie. She's forgetful and is growing more spaced out with age. Hollis continues to care for  Josie.
They go to a movie night run by Josie's cousin, Beatrice, who is Josie's best friend.

We also begin to get more color on Hollis and what may have happened which caused her to run away from the Regans. She has a scar on her face, which is alluded to being from an accident on Old Man's moutain.

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The Old Man gifts Hollis a box of drawing utensils. It's the greatest gift that Hollis has ever recieved and she's nearly overwhelmed with feelings. Later, it becomes clear what is so special about Hollis's art: she shares her unique perspective with it. Art is like her language.

Steven and the Old Man fight a lot.

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Josie's cousin Beatrice comes to see them. Beatrice is a retired art teacher and helps Hollis to understand her gift. Beatrice mentions going on a trip to the Southwest to paint because Hollis can watch Josie.

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The kind of house Beatrice wants to paint 

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The kind of house Beatrice wants to paint 

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More backstory on Hollis as she opens up. Young infant Hollis was left alone in the place that she was to be named after by decree of a note that was left with her: CALL HER HOLLIS WOODS.

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Where Hollis was left as a baby

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Josie's memory is becoming more of a problem. Hollis wants to stay but she needs to conceal Josie's issues from the mustard woman, who has caught on to Hollis skipping school, Beatirce can only help up to a certain point because she's leaving on her trip tomorrow.

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What kind of accident do you think happened on Old Man's mountain?

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What kind of accident do you think happened on Old Man's mountain?

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In the picture, Steven teaches Hollis to drive the pick up.

The mustard women comes around and tells Josie and Hollis that she's found a new family for Hollis.

n the picture, Hollis overhears Izzy and the Old Man talk about adopting her. They see her as a daughter. Hollis is thrilled.

As the date to move away from Josie approachs, Hollis hatches a plan and asks Josie to run away with her.

In the picture, Hollis shares a memory of a last weekend with the Regans. Apparently, she has to leave and come back when the adoption is final.

In the chapter, Hollis and Josie pack up the car with Henry and what little supplies they have and head to the Regan's summer home in Branches, the setting of most of the book's pictures. Hollis's running plan is thin as they have limited supplies and Hollis isn't even totally sure how to get to the house and where they'll go in a few months.

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Act 1: Josie and Hollis arrive at the Regan's home. They're able to break in and set up power and heat. Hollis finds the house much as she remembers and is able to reclaim her drawing box.

Act 2: In a picture, Hollis recalls a "welcome to the family" cake Izzy had made her. Hollis decides that she'd like to go to the top of the Old Man's Mountain to declare loudly how happy she is to finally have her family.

In the chapter, Hollis hears a snowmobile. She then decides to try to fish for food, but becomes scared when she sees another fisher across the lake.

Act 3: Hollis talks about the process of making her pictures of her pure happiness and tells us how all she's thought about all week is her plan to go to the top of the mountain to yell out her happiness to the world.