Is
Foster Care Failing America's Most Helpless Children?
Tampa, FL - May is National Foster Care Month and
according to government statistics, there are over half a million children
in America's foster care system today. For perspective, that's more
than the population of pre-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Beyond the
numbers, each child bears a personal story that starts with heartbreak and
almost always ends with it, too. Is the system failing America's
foster children?
"Yes," answers foster child advocate Margaret
Iuculano, whose tragic trip through the system is documented in the new
book "My God Box." "Children are ripped from their
less than idyllic homes and shuffled around to foster parents who don't
always have the child's best interest in mind," she continues.
The now successful mother, wife and businesswoman found
many of the families that took her in during those horrifying childhood
years were using her and the system as an additional source of income.
"I'm not saying all foster parents are bad," says Iuculano.
"That would be unfair to those who foster for the right reasons.
But there are many unscrupulous people who bring emotionally fragile and
physically wounded children into their homes simply for the paycheck. And
the more kids they bring into their home, the more money the government
pays them. The system needs a major overhaul."
Another issue of particular concern to Iuculano is when
foster children 'age out' of the system once they turn 18-years-old or
complete high school. Are vulnerable youths who have bounced from home to
home and school to school able handle life on their own?
According to Iuculano, despite having access to free
college, many 'aged out' adults are not prepared for higher education
since they did not grow up in a stable learning environment.
"Couple that with the fact that only 38% of foster care kids are
employed 12 to 18 months after their discharge from the system, and it's
sadly obvious why there's an upward trend of homelessness among those who
have aged out."
As survivor of the system, Margaret has moved on to own
two businesses and serve as the President and CEO of a multi-million
dollar Microsoft consulting company. She is now focused on the
mission of shedding light on the secret lives of foster children and doing
what she can to help and motivate, "I was inspired by faith and
overcame the victim mentality so it's my responsibility to help other
foster children triumph as well."
Iuculano explains her long term goal is to open a group
home for 'aged out' foster care kids, "I want it to serve as a
transition from a system life to a self-sufficient life. The plan is
to offer a happy environment that encourages bonding with others, not
treatment like a second class citizen." In the meantime,
proceeds from her book, "My God Box," will go to many different
not for profits dedicated to children.
For Iuculano, even the slightest failures in the foster
care system are unacceptable, "These children are already at risk.
Leaving them unprepared for adulthood is a travesty." It's not
realistic to have everyone write a book about their foster care experience
or open a group home for 'aged out' adults, but Iuculano points out,
"You can do something. Get involved with a local charity.
It's up to all of us to try and change the failures of the foster care
system this month and beyond."
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About
Margaret Iuculano
Margaret Iuculano's personal account of how the foster
care system failed her and others and the subsequent triumph over her
childhood demons to become a successful wife, mother and CEO is chronicled
in her book, "My God Box."
Once she accomplished professional success that included
owning two companies and serving as President and CEO of a multi-million
dollar Microsoft consulting company, Iuculano turned her focus to
children's advocacy.
Iuculano was habitually beaten by an alcoholic
step-father, who labeled her an 'incorrigible' child and insisted she be
placed in foster care. She then was a firsthand witness to the
shattered foster care system, which was commonly used by foster parents as
source of added income, not a way to make a difference in a vulnerable
child's life.
Iuculano, who currently lives in Tampa, FL with her
family, hopes her story will encourage activism on behalf of America's
forgotten children and inspire others who have faced seemingly
insurmountable struggles. Iuculano's website is www.Margaretlano.com.
To interview Margaret Iuculano
or request a review copy of "My God Box," contact Rachel
Friedman at (727) 443-7115 ext. 206 or email rachel@newsandexperts.com
Please include your name, publication, and mailing address with your
request.
