Former Foster Youth: Hear Our Message | Jessica Chandler & Charity Chandler-Cole | TEDxCrenshawSalon

Is foster care a support to families and not a substitute for parents?Sisters Jessica Chandler and Charity Chandler-Cole reflect on the impact of their foster care experience with a message to current foster youth. Jessica was in the foster care system from ages 12 - 18. But rather than allow that negative experience to govern the rest of her life, she was determined to become a social worker to ignite change for others—which would also mean challenging herself. For the past five years, Jessica has been a Children’s Social Worker with the Department of Child and Family Services in Los Angeles. Jessica has been and continues to be an advocate on the national stage for children and families involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
(Source:https://calswec.berkeley.edu/news/soc...)

Charity Chandler-Cole is a Mother, Wife, Non-profit Executive and Social Justice Advocate. Having harshly experienced both the juvenile justice and foster care systems, Charity works passionately to address the issues and challenges plaguing our communities, women and youth. As an advocate, Charity is a Los Angeles County Commissioner for Children and Families. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx