The Power of Fostering: How Patty Flores Brings Change to Lives in Foster Care

Kids and teens who cannot stay with their birth families may find temporary homes through the foster care system. Many foster youth end up facing homelessness, emotional struggles, and a lack of ongoing support. (However, let’s not forget that these youth also end up homeless even after returning to their families.) Still, there are dedicated individuals and groups out there working hard to improve the fostering process and ensure that these kids have everything they need to thrive.

In the world of foster care, there is an educator, consultant, and therapist, Patty Flores, who is making a real difference. She is putting her best foot forward and shifting how society supports foster kids by focusing on mentoring, getting directly involved, and making changes in policy. A recent Instagram post captures an impactful discussion that highlights their work, including the challenges, successes, and the need for systemic change.

Further in this blog, we will discuss the conversation in the video, examine the main points, and see how this advocate is making a positive change in foster care.

The Conversation: Foster Care Challenges

The Instagram video features a dialogue between Patty Flores and a former foster youth, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles within the foster care system and their biological family system. Below are some key quotes from the same discussion, explaining the insights about why these issues matter.

The Emotional Toll of Victimized Youth

"People think that there are things that happen to foster kids in these situations that wouldn't happen out in the world already being discriminated against. The discrimination. Yeah. And they're like, oh, well, this was because and it's like, no. There are times that kids say things because they know that you're going to report it, and they're looking for you to report it.”

This statement points out an important issue in encouraging the emotional ups and downs that a lot of kids go through. Foster youth often go through a lot of changes in their living situations, which can make them feel abandoned and insecure. This happens – both – in foster care and/or family systems. It turns out that having stable relationships is really important for healthy development, but the harm could be done by anyone in society, breaking these connections.

Patty Flores has emphasized the importance of trauma-informed care. She wants social workers, foster parents, and educators who work with foster kids to really get how to support children through mentorship, therapy, and counseling, especially those who have gone through abuse or neglect.

Not Believed: The Harsh Reality for Many Foster Youth

"We learn to protect our family. And there are people that I told that were like, I'm not gonna report that. And how incredibly disappointing that was for me as a child to tell an adult. And they're like, if I were to report it, then you would get taken away. Then for me to go back to a home that I'm literally telling you I don't feel safe in, where I'm literally telling you this person has threatened to kill me, where I'm telling you about years of abuse, and [they say] we shouldn't do that.

Yeah. And the cops didn't believe me either. They're like, you know, if we if we take you out of here, it's not like we're you're gonna go get to live with your friend. And I was like, I hope I never see this fucking town again. Are you insane?

What friends? Everyone thinks I'm fucking weird.”

Not being believed by adults has been retraumatizing for many child victims/survivors of abuse. Many systems can cause harm, including family systems. Foster care is one of the system’s biggest failings mentioned by academics and policy analysts, but what about listening to those with lived experiences? These former foster youth advocate for support in believing their stories of abuse and neglect.

Patty with Defying Labels tackles this issue by providing a platform to those who have been victimized - were never believed - and continue to be victim-blamed. Patty Flores with Defying Labels also offer partnership to provide therapy, career training, and mentorship. Their work ensures that foster youth don’t just survive—they thrive.

The Importance of Advocacy and Policy Change

"We can’t just keep putting Band-Aids on the problem. Real change means rewriting policies that fail these kids every day, and we also need to believe them!"

Systemic transformation is essential for improving foster care but telling a child to remain in an abusive and neglectful home is not okay. Too often, policies are reactive rather than proactive, leaving foster youth vulnerable. Patty works with organizations to push for more funding, mental health services, and educational services.

Patty's Impact on Foster Care

The conversation in the video isn’t only focused on problems—it’s all about finding solutions. Check out how Patty is making a positive impact on fostering:

Creating warm and nurturing environments

Finding dedicated foster parents who are ready for the challenges is one of the biggest needs in foster care. Patty with Defying Labels provides training programs to help foster families manage trauma, behavioral challenges, and emotional needs effectively.

Mentorship Programs for Foster Youth

A lot of foster youth don’t have positive role models/mentors in their lives. Patty with Defying Labels partner with advocates, therapists, and organizations to provide mentorship, guidance, career advice, and emotional support, helping them create a brighter future.

Why This Work is Important

The conversation between these former foster youth on Instagram really reflects the bigger problems in their family system and fostering, but it also shows a glimmer of hope. Every child in the fostering system really deserves stability, love, and to be believed! Patty with Defying Labels and other fellow educators are making sure that foster youth are centered, believed, and empowered. Connect with Patty for therapy in Sherman Oaks and surrounding areas in Los Angeles, CA. Let’s ensure strong mentorship and guidance with Patty Flores.