By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Going through foster care in the U.S. can make achieving the standard milestone a real feat–graduating is no exception.
According to the Indiana Department of Health, just 54.2 percent of foster youth graduated from high school in 2021. Among Black and Latinx foster youth, the graduation rate was nearly identical—54 percent. In contrast, 78 percent of all African-American students and 89 percent of White students graduated that year.
Damerriah Law of Bradenton, Fla., is part of the percentage who were able to persevere and get their diplomas this year. On May 20, she graduated from Southeast High School with determination and support behind her. Law, 18, said she was in the foster care system from January 2022 to June 2023 and plans to become a correctional officer.
“When I reached Miracles Outreach Community Development Center, I remember crying and being afraid, knowing I was miles away from home,” said Law. “My first couple of months there, I fell into a deep depression, but eventually I adjusted and built great relationships with the staff.”
Miracles Outreach Community Development Center is a Florida nonprofit that has provided foster care services since 2000.
Law said when she came into care, she was “angry at the world.”
“I felt like it owed me something,” she said. “But being in care helped me realize and appreciate the little joy that does come out of life.”
One of the staff members who supported her was Tranette S. Engram.
“I knew at any point and time I could come and talk to them about anything and they would always comfort me and keep a good head on my shoulders,” said Law. “They are the reason I never gave up. I knew that if nobody else cared whether I succeeded in life, they would.”
Engram shared how proud she is of the work Law and other foster care you are doing to accomplish this milestone.
“At Miracles Outreach Community Development Center, we are beyond proud,” said Engram. “We were blessed to walk alongside her—to witness her tears, struggles, sass and ultimately, her growth and success. These moments remind us of one powerful truth: it truly takes a village.”
While Law was able to come out of foster care and get her high school diploma, many foster care youth struggle.
In fiscal year 2023, 343,077 children were in foster care nationwide, according to the National Council for Adoption. That year, 15,590 youth aged out of care, and 17 percent of children adopted were Black.
Black youth made up 14 percent of the total child population but 22 percent of all children in foster care in 2021, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. These realities amplify the significance of Law’s success.
Law offered advice for how adults can support foster youth.
“Love them like they were your own,” she said. “I know it can be a lot, but it’s also a lot for the children going through these difficult changes.”
Engram advised showing up and being consistent, partnering with or supporting local foster group homes and starting a youth mentorship initiative in their church or community.
“These kids didn’t choose broken homes or broken systems…they are counting on someone to care,” said Engram. “Be that someone.”
Law also shared what she wishes others understood about Black girls in foster care.
“Some of us don’t know how to properly express our emotions,” she said. “Our bottled-up emotions turn into anger. It’s not just us having a bad attitude all of the time.”
Law provided advice to other youth who have to navigate the foster care system.
“Make sure that there is enough time for the work to get done, then get it done,” she said. “Stay on top of the grades.”
“Don’t try to fit in, stand up and stand out,” she added. “Be that person that people can trust.”