Blog
No Time Like Now: Charlotte’s Adoption Story
Her life began by being placed into foster care for her own safety.
In 2016, Jason and Emily McDonald* came to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF) because they were interested in growing their family through adoption. They had three children of their own (ages 6, 5, and 3) and one on the way, but they felt strongly about expanding their family to include a child who had been less fortunate. SSYAF helped the McDonalds through the approval process and provided training and education to prepare them for their adoption journey.
There is healing in a loving, stable family
He wrestled with low self-esteem and feelings of rejection and unworthiness.
When Sam* was growing up, both of his parents struggled with substance abuse. Consequently, Sam’s home life was marked by neglect and abuse. Soon after his tenth birthday, Child Protective Services removed him from his parents’ custody and placed him in protective care for his own safety.
A Story of Hope
She saw no future for herself. When she tried to imagine one, she saw nothing.
Like many of the young people we work with, Iris* endured trauma and sexual abuse at a young age. For years these traumas were left unaddressed and untreated. Consequently Iris experienced depression and contemplated suicide as she grew up. Twice these struggles required hospitalization. On the second occasion, Iris was connected with a social worker at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYF).
Mackenzie’s Journey of Empowerment
I can barely believe all that I have been able to accomplish. I now have hope for my future.
Like many of the youth in foster care, Mackenzie*, a transition-age youth, had been traumatized at a young age. Having never had the chance to fully process and heal from this trauma, Mackenzie struggled to manage her emotions. Eventually she was placed in a local group home.
It Takes One Adult to Spark Inspiration
You can come into your full potential no matter who you are, regardless of how you identify.
As a dedicated trainer supporting the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in systems of care, I have the honor and privilege of teaching my peers about all the ways they can support children and teens from this community. LGBTQ+ children are often forgotten in the system, overrepresented, and left without permanent families to call their own. Many of us have heard the statistics, some of us have experienced them firsthand. So why should you join us in changing the life of a child?
Meet Our New Intern, Scott Yuki
Like many others, I wanted to do something with an immediate impact.
Hello! My name is Scott Yuki, a second-year student at UC Berkeley studying Business Administration and Public Health. At Berkeley, I am a member of the Cal Dragon Boat team, the Associate Student body, and the Nikkei Student Union. Unfortunately… or fortunately, my spring semester was cut short. Looking at the bright side of our less fortunate situations, I was able to pass/fail my calculus course and save my GPA! But to acknowledge the realities of 2020, this has been and will continue to be an interesting time for all of us.
A World of Wonder
Matching youth in foster care with consistent, caring adults since 2003.
One common question our agency receives is about the options available for people who may not be ready to become Resource (Foster) Parents, but who want to support youth in foster care. We recognize that not everyone who can adopt or become a Resource Parent is ready. At Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, we often have Resource Families reveal that they thought about becoming a Resource Family for multiple years before finally deciding to start the process.
A Cap and Gown, Diploma, and Backyard Graduation
Every child deserves the unconditional love, commitment, and support of a family.
At 14 years old, Sean was emotionally abused by his birth mother. After being removed from the abusive environment, Sean was placed in a group home, where he lived for several years. Sean experienced what many young men in foster care experience – a challenge finding a family willing to take in a teenage boy with trauma. He struggled in school, spent time in the juvenile justice system, and experienced mental health issues.
Promoting Connections During Times of Crisis
The challenges we face during this time will provide us with invaluable tools and resources for years to come.
Going about normal routines and balancing new challenges can be difficult during these uncertain times. Many organizations have been forced to restructure, furlough, or even stop providing crucial services to the community. At Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYF), we have been delivering and will continue to deliver essential services to youth and families within our programs, all while focusing on the safety and well-being of all within our communities. The challenges we face during this time will provide us with invaluable tools and resources for years to come.
Introducing Stanford Sierra Youth & Families
With this new identity, we are excited to bring a wider continuum of care to the youth and families within our community.
Stanford Youth Solutions + Sierra Forever Families is proud to announce our new identity – Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYF). SSYF believes each and every child deserves the love, safety, and unconditional commitment of a family and the opportunity to develop as a healthy and productive adult.
Family Resources during COVID-19
Discover resources and advice during this uncertain time
As we continue to follow the unfolding COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our focus is the safety and well-being of all youth and families in our communities. We will continue to provide programs and services to youth and families, and ensure that families are aware of important information and strategies to reduce stress and anxieties during this crisis.
Stronger Together: Stanford Youth Solutions and Sierra Forever Families Merger
October 9, 2019
A commitment to permanency and the empowerment of youth and families.
It is with great excitement that Sierra Forever Families (SFF) and Stanford Youth Solutions (SYS) announce the merging of the two organizations, effective July 1, 2019. SFF and SYS have complementary missions and operations and have an extensive history of collaborating to provide services and supports to youth and families.
Adoption Myths
June 4, 2019
Like most aspects of life related to family and children, adoption is an emotional topic. That might be why foster-care adoption is so ripe for myth-making. At Sierra Forever Families (SFF), would-be parents often approach us with ideas that couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s clear up four common ones:
A gloriously sunny spring day picnic
May 23, 2019
A gloriously sunny spring day, scented with the unmistakable fragrance of cotton candy, set the stage for nearly 200 parents and children to enjoy a day of fun and companionship at Sierra Forever Families’ Family Appreciation Picnic on May 4 at Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin.
California’s first-ever surgeon general prioritizes children’s health
April 30, 2019
February/March of 2017, in a two-part series on how trauma affects children, this blog highlighted a 16-minute talk by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris that has been viewed on YouTube 1.8 million times.
Dr. Burke Harris, a pediatrician trained at the UC Davis School of Medicine, has been hailed as a leading voice in transforming our understanding of how children’s traumatic experiences can trigger serious physical and mental illness.
3 Empowering Reasons to Foster/Adopt as a Single Parent
April 16, 2019
There’s a myth out there that to adopt or care for a foster child, your family needs to resemble something out of an ancient sitcom: one mom in an apron, one dad in a business suit. This is, indeed, a myth. At Sierra Forever Families, we strongly encourage single parents to explore foster care and adoption. In fact, nearly a quarter of adoptions are by single parents.
Six Challenges and Rewards of Your First Placement
March 16, 2019
Sierra Forever Families offers comprehensive pre-service training and ongoing support to its resource families, but no amount of preparation can cover the infinite number of situations that might arise. Here are six you might experience.
You Never Outgrow the Need for a Family
March 13, 2019
There’s a tongue-in-cheek poster that’s a classic fixture on the wall at some adoption agencies. It lists the advantages of giving a permanent home to a teenager. Number one is “No diapers!” Another benefit: “No toilet training.”
Clearly, these comments are meant to bring a smile to the face of prospective parents. But they also have a serious intent: to shine a light on the critical need for families to adopt older children and provide them with life-changing unconditional love, safety and support.
Navigating the Bureaucracy of Adoption and Foster Care
March 8, 2019
Anyone who has ever waited for their number to be called at the DMV knows that bureaucracy can be crazy-making. Paperwork, meetings, complex chains of command, endless acronyms (CPS? EPSDT?), communication breakdowns—all of it can make impatience flare. When a child’s future is at stake, it can be even more frustrating.
Welcome to foster care and adopting through the foster care system!
Gingerbread Tag Drive: The Magic Makes All Seem Possible
December 19, 2018
For a heartfelt, 2018 version of the joy of giving, look no further than Sierra Forever Families’ Gingerbread Tag Drive, a campaign to collect toys for youth in need. A yearly tradition, the Gingerbread Tag Drive is a feel-good way to celebrate the season and greatly appreciated by our families.