Life in Foster Care

Shane Salter grew up in the foster care system. In his soon-to-be-released book, "Trouble Don't Always Last: When a Child Becomes a 4-Year Old Parent," he describes his life in foster care that began at the age of four when his teenage mother, who was addicted to drugs, walked out on him and his younger brother. After being found by a police officer, he was placed in his first of many foster homes and began parenting his younger brother.

Salter was online Wednesday, May 18, at Noon ET to discuss his life in foster care, the system and his book "Trouble Don't Always Last."

Salter, CEO and founder of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children of Washington, D.C., will release to the public his biography on May 22, 2005. Before Salter assumed his role at CASA, he served in the administration of D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams as Chief of Staff for the Office of Children, Youth, Families and Elders. He has also held positions as Director of Foundation Giving at the Freddie Mac Foundation, National Director of the Marriott Foundation For People with Disabilities: Bridges ... from School to Work, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at For Love of Children (FLOC), a comprehensive community based non-profit.

The transcript follows.

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washingtonpost.com: Shane Salter will be with us shortly. Thank you for staying tuned.

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Fairfax, Va.: How does an organization like CASA raise the funds to support its operational costs? --Brian

Shane Salter: CASA for Children of DC largely depends on contributions from individuals and foundations for our operating cost.

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Leesburg, Va.: Shane - you are an inspiration! I can't wait to read the book. Who was your childhood hero?

Shane Salter: Thank you so much, my childhood hero I would have to say was my big brother Joe who was a volunteer mentor.

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Bethesda, Md.: How many foster children are there in the D.C. area?

Shane Salter: In Washington DC we have close to 4,000 children in foster care. I don't have the numbers for the rest of the metro are handy, however I would be glad to follow-up with you.

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Washington, D.C.: I own my home, have no children and am single ... what are the criteria for becoming a foster parent?

Shane Salter: Well based on that basic information, you qualify as long as you have adequate living space to accommodate a child and the income to support him or her. You must successfully pass background checks to ensure you don't pose a threat to a child that may join your family.

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New York, N.Y. Do you have foster children or adopted kids? look forward to picking up the book. Also, what happens when kids age out of the system -- is there anyway to track how they thrive?

Shane Salter: All of my children are now adopted.

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Arlington, Va.: Shane,

I just started reading your book. Can't put it down. Very well written.

Quick question. Why do so many kids languish in the foster care system? How has D.C. improved its handling of foster kids?

Thank you.

Shane Salter: Thanks you, that seems to be the common response. I am amazed and pleased with how many people say that.

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washingtonpost.com: Can you describe your life growing up in the foster care system?

Shane Salter: Well honestly the book does that. However, I will tell you that generally speaking it was a rollercoaster. Many heartbreaks when people decide they no longer want you. Let me feeling most times like discarded trash. However, it was good to have the positive influences of good foster parents from time to time. I pull from the best of those parental values and experiences to shape my own parenting style.

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Arlington, Va.: What is the typical profile of a CASA volunteer?

Shane Salter: The typical CASA volunteer comes from every walk of life. They range from empty-nesters to college students lookinmeaningfuleaningul volunteer experience. My hope is to establish partnerships with corporate volunteer programs given the powerful and substantive experience our volunteers have as they help to trchildren'shildrens lives.

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Rockville, Md.: D.C.'s system in the past has been notorious for mismanaging foster care. Has it gotten better in recent years?

Shane Salter: You are absolutely right. Four of my seven children were adopted from DCs foster care system. The reforms have been significant and praised by all that monitor the progress. However, there is still work to be done to ensure optimum success for our children's outcomes.

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: Other than joining CASA, how we can foster kids in our area?

Shane Salter: If you are interested in fostering a child, please call the Child and Family Service Agency of DC and ask for the adoption or foster parent recruiter.

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Bethesda, Md.: What inspired you to write this book about such a difficult time in your life? -- Sarah

Shane Salter: I was born to write this book. I was perhaps initially inspired by a foster parent who insisted that the miracles in my life happened so that others would benefit from the journey.

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Boston, Mass.: Hello Shane, having been in the system yourself, what do you think are the most important changes needed in foster care?

Shane Salter: Hello,

The most significant changes needed are in the area of transitioning youth to adulthood with a caring adult identified to support and encourage them. I also believe that the other area is in the financial structure and misplaced incentives. The last would be in the area of post adoption services to ensure families that adopt are successful at all cost.

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Norfolk, Va.: 1. What is the number one reason children enter the system?

2. And, what can the average person do to help?

3. Can a CASA worker really influence a child's life?

Shane Salter: The primary reason most children come into foster care is because of neglect or abuse. Many parents and families these days are not supported in their efforts to raise their children. The external pressures imposed on us largely contributes to neglect and abuse. Parents have to work long hours for less wages and it makes it tuff. Some parents as a result of addiction can't care for their children and then their are numbers of teen parents ill-equipped to raise children and subsequently loose them to foster care.

The average person can begin by identifying the best way to that fits fro them to get involved with a child and show him or her that they have value, purpose and reason for giving life their best shot despite the odds. Become a CASA, Foster or Adoptive Parent, or mentor a child at risk. Identify families that are struggling and see what you can do as a community to support them and prevent the strain from leading to neglect or abuse.

It is well documented and widely shared by all who have been a CASA that have the power and authority to make recommendations in court that lead to system monitoring and accountability along with the judges order for support and services of leads to a child transforming before your eyes as a result of your effort.

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Washington, D.C.: I remember hearing about a non-profit that assists foster children who have grown out of the system (i.e., 18 years of age.) It assists them with education, mentoring, housing, etc. I was going to look into volunteering with them, but I can no longer think of their name. Do you happen to know? Thanks.

Shane Salter: There is one organization that does similar work and has my unwavering support called the Orphan Foundation. They are headquartered in Reston, VA.

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Washington, D.C.: I've always wondered why the foster system as it is now still exists. It seems to me that we do children a disservice when we move them from home to home. Wouldn't it be better to bring back an "orphanage" situation where all the children stay in place, with a staff that remains largely the same day-to-day, where all the children are well cared for, fed, clothed, etc. St. Ann's Infant and Maternity in Maryland is similar to this. What are you feelings on this? Looking forward to reading the book.

Shane Salter: Thanks so much, St. ANns does great work, but should and can't ever substitute what a loving, nurturing family provides for a child's basic foundation and development. We must work to get children adopted as early as possible that way they are less likely to move from home to home after being further traumatized by a system that is suppose to help with their healing and optimum growth.

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Washington, D.C.: Did you ever reunite w/your parents?

Shane Salter: Yes, I found my birth family and developed a relationship with additional siblings I learend about and my grandmother.

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Weymouth, Mass.: What do you think prospective foster parents should know before taking in children and what qualities are important for foster parents to have?

Shane Salter: Prospective foster parents should approach this journey without expectation of anything in return. If you have a need to be fulfilled remember that children won't show up necessarily grateful for having received what all children should have as a basic right, a loving place to call home. Expect nothing, give everything, and the rewards will be overwhelming.

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Capitol Hill, D.C.: I recently read an article, and heard advertisements about volunteering to provide "respite" care for foster children -- i.e., take them for a weekend here and there so their regular foster parents can have a break. Do you have any experience with this program and can you tell us more about it? I was particularly wondering how the children react to this . . . thanks!

Shane Salter: Yes, this is a much needed resource for families who have adopted or are foster children and need a vacation, or an opportunity for a break to most effectively support that child. It also is a way to introduce other caring adults into a child's life which can only be positive for all.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I am interested in adopting some day, and I would have no problems adopting an older child. Do you think this would be a good idea if a couple already had a younger biological child?

Shane Salter: Each situation is unique. It depends on old your birth child is. I think with the proper care, it could be good for all. What an experience to join a family who wants you enough to be a big brother or sister to a child they already have. The older child could possibly experience that as being needed, and looked up to which could contribute to healing, stronger social skills and healthy development.

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Washington, D.C.: Why are there so many children in foster care and group homes, today and what should the public do to eliminate the problem?

Also, how does being in foster care effect children and society?

Shane Salter: There are close to 600,000 children in foster care nationally. While that number is large, if every church identified a family willing to adopt and commits to supporting that family as a village or community, we could make a significant impact on the numbers of children who feel that their community has forgotten them. How do you tell a child "you are too old for a family" people don't usually jump at the opportunity to take in a teenager, and those are the ones most in need of a stable family. In terms of the impact on society, 70% of the nations homeless population were in the foster care system, over 60% of those incarcerated experienced foster care, and the numbers are stagerrring as it relates to mental health outcomes for this population which results in insutionalization.

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washingtonpost.com: Thank you for joining us today. Why did you decide to write your book "Trouble Don't Always Last: When a Child Becomes a 4-Year Old Parent"?

Shane Salter: To put a face on the power of transforming pain into purpose. To sensitize our nation to the untapped potential in many children that are being discarded while in foster care. And to provide hope and inspiration to anyone struggling to overcome multigenerational demons, by way of showing that through forgiveness their is healing, through healing we can transform lives and show that Trouble Don't Last Always.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Shane. I just started reading your book. I can't put it down. Very well written.

Quick question. Why do you think so many kids languish in the foster care system? How has D.C. improved its handling of foster kids?

Thank you.

Shane Salter: Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying the book. I feel like I just gave birth to a baby that has unlimited potential for impact on the lives he/she touches. As for why so many children languish, it is because of the like of resources available to transition them to permanent families. DC has done several things that are significant in this direction. First the establishment of a family drug treatment court which provides an opportunity for mothers to get treatment while living in a setting with their children. This when successful, prevents kids from coming into foster care. There are community based collaboratives that provide support and training to at-risk families in the community. And last but certainly not least, the leadership in place now is visionary and determined to levy the resources available for children's successful outcomes.

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Woodbridge, Va.: Do you think the system is responsible for the outcome in life of a child who has been in foster care? If yes, what do you think ist the most important step that can be taken to improve the system so the outcome is majorly positive?

Shane Salter: Yes, I think the people in the system responsible for the care of our children have a significant impact on their outcomes. Therefore, we must montior performance and set standards for outcomes that we expect achieved when children grow up in care, and enforce the law that requires timely permanent placement of children when they enter foster care.

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Laurel, Md.: Hi Shane -- I am intriged by your life story and it has perked my interest to learn more and to be a foster parent, but I am a single mother with a 19-year-old daughter and I am concerned that I might not be able to be a foster parent. I know there is a lot of need for homes for these poor children and wish I could take them all and give them the best things in life, but I know that is not going to be, but what I can do is to help a child of some type and would love to do so but need help in taking the first step and that is where you come in -- and I welcome any and all suggestions that you can offer. I would love to talk with you one on one but know you have -- I'm sure -- a busy life, and cannot do that but would appreciate the help. I will not be able to attend the question/answer group ... wish I could. thank you very much in advance ....

Shane Salter: Please feel free to contact me through CASA for Children of DC. We need a host of resources to help us fulfill our mission of ensuring a safe permanent home for all children. From monitory contributions to professional support and services to help with operations.

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Capitol Heights, Washington, D.C.: Hello Mr. Shane. My question is, "how often is a child likely to be put with the grandparent, before foster care?"

Shane Salter: That is the preferred and first option. This is called kinship care, and families are now supported in their efforts to raise children of their relatives.

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Harrisburg, Pa.: We are having a debate in the Pennsylvania legislature. Some of us wish to provide incentives for foster families to adopt their foster children. Others believe foster parents are intended to be temporary and that no special efforts should be created that may create a bond between foster children and foster parents when that bond is likely to be temporary. Do you any thoughts on this debate?

Shane Salter: Yes, we should be providing incentives for foster parents to adopt children. Why move a child if we don't have to. However, foster care is suppose to be temporary. If we fix the system and engage the public as part of the solution, we can recruit the families necessary to move children out of foster care within shorter timeframes. This however all begins with a shift in attitude to committ resources to prevent children from coming into foster care in the first place. Many would not be there if the families they came from were supported and encouraged to strengthen their skills, resolve and overall capacity to successfully parent.

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Bahama, N.C.: I am a legal aid attorney, all of my child clients are poor and many are in foster care. I represent them and try to help them get benefits, like Medicaid and special ed services, that they need and are entitled to. I am amazed that they are not totally destroyed by a foster care system that focuses primarily on what is cheap and easy for the county, and many foster parents are often poorly prepared to assist the children, and are in the role only for the small stipend paid. After your mother left, there must have been a few adults in that system that made a difference for you. Who helped you, who hurt you, and what advice would you give those of us who have only a passing contact with a child in the system, but who would like to be part of that child succeeding?

Shane Salter: Wow, well I think that each of us has the capacity to make a difference in the life of a foster child by showing up honestly and committed to successful transitioning. What mattered to me, was those who showed me that my life had potential and that I mattered enough for them to keep showing up regardless of the funk I presented as the challenge of the moment.

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Crystal City Va.: Hello again. Who decides how long you can foster? The individuals or CASA?

Shane Salter: If you mean how long you can foster a specific child, well that is determined by the plan when the child enters and available resources to get them to permanent place to call home. For example, some children are returned home once the problem is resolved and that is the plan from the beginning while others will be placed for adoption. Its really all about how long it takes to get the child to the best place for them in the long run.

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Baltimore, Md.: Having worked in child welfare for over 20 years, I know there are many stories out there from the children served by struggling systems across the nation. However, I know that each story is unique. Where can I purchase your book? I look forward to hearing your story.

Shane Salter: Yes, you are right. Every story is unique but unfortunately there are many recurrent themes and trends. This book is one of the few that shares the journey of someone who experienced this process as a child waiting for parents, an foster/adoptive parent of four children, and a professional who has led child welfare organizations and advocates nationally for better outcomes and awareness. This is the story of learning to manage deep rooted pain and transforming it into power that seeks to create opportunities for understanding, forgiveness and healing.

To Purchase the book, please go to Borders .com or Amazon and order it now, or you can visit my Web site at: www.troubledontlastalways.com and click on the buy book link. If so moved call the publisher at: 1800AUTHORS and encourage them to get the book in stores for all to access sooner rather than later.

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Oakton, Va.: Do you feel the foster system works well? I know foster parents are paid to take in children, and I'm just wondering, while most parents have good hearts, how many are focused on the money? Do foster kids get to voice whether they want to be with a certain foster parent? If so, I guess that would eliminate the parents who are focused on a paycheck. Thanks.

Shane Salter: Just as with anything there are always those fosterparents that are great and those that are not so great. Fortunately, when children have a CASA, that volunteer upon successful training becomes that child's voice in court. That's where decisions to move a child or not are often made.

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washingtonpost.com: That concludes our discussion with Shane Salter today. Thank you for participating.

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Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.