Mandating Thrift Stores for Foster Youth

Are you kidding me??

Have you seen this article? The other day I came across it – it highlights what I believe was a completely ridiculous proposal from a Michigan State Senator.  He initially proposed to limit the use of clothing allowances for children and youth in foster care to thrift or second-hand stores, stating that, "I never had anything new. I got all the hand-me-downs.”  After some serious outrage was expressed he amended his proposal to include, “and other retailers.”  

But even though he backed down from his earlier position, his initial proposal showed how insensitive some people can be about the needs of youth like me who have had to unfortunately rely on the system to care for them. Youth come to depend on the system because they come from abusive and neglectful homes, lost their parents, or had some other crappy experience.  The last thing any of them need is to feel further degraded or disrespected. 

Fortunately in Pennsylvania, our legislators realized how hard being in foster care can be, and the bill of rights they passed for children in foster care last year makes sure youth like me have appropriate clothing and other basics of life.  Now we need to make sure all children and youth in foster care know they have rights - and exercise them - or we run the risk of not being any better off than if we never entered foster care.

Colin McShane is an alumnus of the foster care system. He lives in Northampton.