Joseph P. / It gets better!

"If I could give one piece of advice to someone in the system now it would be to simply let them know it gets better." Joseph Patterson shares his story for #SpeakUp.

The majority of the challenges that we faced while in the foster care system was the constant placement changes and the traumatic assault experiences. These instances left scars for the years to come, but that strength and resiliency that were to be gained was of high value. Today my life is large and full of wonder and adventure beyond my wildest dreams. I am grateful for my family as everyone is united and flourishing.

If I could give one piece of advice to someone in the system now it would be to simply let them know it gets better.

The foster care system taught me that nothing is forever.

What I needed most while emancipating from the foster care system would have been for my parent's lives to have been more peaceful in order to have a more resolved household.