The Unseen Struggle of Foster Care
A Story of Dehumanization and Trauma
Every day in New York City, a child enters the foster system carrying everything they own in a black plastic trash bag—conveying that they are not valued and disposable. For many former foster children, including one of the authors of this piece, Sofie, our possessions are symbols: the treatment of our belongings leaves us feeling degraded, dehumanized, and traumatized.
The Current Reality
During abrupt transitions, many of us fall silent. I know for myself, I struggled to find my voice and advocate for proper luggage. I felt like I had no authority over my own belongings. New York City’s children deserve better. Yet they currently have no legal guarantee of a dignified transition.
The "My Bag" Pilot Program
In 2023, a statewide pilot program called “My Bag” distributed 3,560 duffel bags to local departments of social services across the state, serving only one-quarter of the children who need them. New York City received none, despite being home to over half of the foster population. This reality is unfortunately not uncommon.
A Call to Action
Some states have taken action. In particular, three states—red and blue alike: Oregon, Texas, and Maryland—have passed bills to ensure proper luggage for all children. New York City should join them.
Introducing the "Luggage to Foster Care Youth" Bill
Last month, we took a major step in that direction, introducing the “Luggage to Foster Care Youth” bill, a well-funded and enforceable citywide policy that would mandate adequate luggage for all children in the New York City foster system.
Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience
When I, Sofie, was first handed a large black trash bag by a caseworker, I did not speak English, but I got the message—I, and everything I held dear, was trash. I’ve spoken with countless young people in New York City’s foster system who feel similarly. People like Jaylen, now 21, who when navigating New York City’s foster system had the word “worthlessness” echo through her mind. The trash bag felt to her “like confirmation” of that worthlessness. Destiny’s belongings “got mixed up with trash” and thrown into New York City garbage trucks multiple times during moves. The agency told another child moving with trash bags to “shut the f*** up and deal with it.”
The Statistics
According to AFCARS Foster Care Annual File 2021, children in the New York City foster system transition, on average, to three different homes. For some, this means three different schools, families, and environments. Within this already stressful transition, the simple act of providing a child with a dignified piece of luggage to carry their belongings is not a well-managed or commonly practiced measure, despite the over 22,000 transitions occurring within the city alone.
Conclusion
New York City took a measure to ban trash bags to protect the streets from unsightly black trash bags. Our city’s kids and their belongings deserve the same level of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is this an issue?
A: Providing adequate luggage for children in the foster system is a basic human right, ensuring they feel valued and respected during a challenging and stressful time.
Q: How many children in the New York City foster system transition to different homes?
A: On average, children in the New York City foster system transition to three different homes.
Q: What is the current policy regarding luggage for children in the foster system?
A: There is no legal guarantee of adequate luggage for children in the New York City foster system, leaving them to carry their belongings in trash bags.
Q: What is the “Luggage to Foster Care Youth” bill?
A: The “Luggage to Foster Care Youth” bill is a well-funded and enforceable citywide policy that would mandate adequate luggage for all children in the New York City foster system.
