“I still have nightmares about my traumatic experience in foster care.” - Spencer Sims

In 2008, I entered foster care, and the following year, I experienced a profound depression that worsened during my time in care. The manner in which I and my sister were removed from the care system was a traumatic and graphic experience, occurring at 10:30 pm with a swarm of law enforcement officials and a woman carrying a clipboard. The experience felt like a bad dream, and I was terrified and confused. This event marked the beginning of a deep depression that nearly destroyed me, and I made two suicide attempts during my time in foster care.

Subsequently, my foster parents moved my sister to another room, and this event further intensified my depression. I became withdrawn and distressed, and my grades began to suffer. Despite my good grades, the DFS team repeatedly pressured me to attend summer school, which I reluctantly agreed to, against my better judgment.

One day, I returned from summer school to discover that my sister had been moved. I was devastated and demanded answers. The foster parent explained that they were not licensed to care for younger children, which explained why the DFS team was pressuring me to attend summer school.

This event marked a turning point in my life. I felt hopeless, lost, and alone. However, I remained determined to graduate high school and create a better life for myself. I received a phone my senior year and was able to communicate with my best friend, who was a source of support and comfort during this difficult time.

After graduating from high school, I entered college, but during the Christmas break, I was moved to St. James Boystown, a foster care residential lockup. While there, I experienced physical abuse from the staff, and I knew I had to find a way to leave foster care for good.

I approached a judge and requested to attend Job Corp in Excelsior Springs, which was near my hometown. The judge agreed, but only if I was successful for 30 days. I knew this was my chance to escape the foster care system.

After two weeks, I informed my social worker that I was succeeding at Job Corp and would receive my release papers in two weeks or disappear if they were not provided. Two weeks later, I received my release papers and became free after five years in foster care.

Today, I am married with three children and own a home and two cars. Although I have achieved success, I still have nightmares about my traumatic experience in foster care.