SE Kansas City News

(Washington, D.C.) – On June 14, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, participated in the National Foster Youth Institute’s Foster Youth Shadow Day, giving Micaih Lloyd from Wilmington, Delaware, an opportunity to shadow the Congressman for a day on Capitol Hill. Micaih was joined by 30 other foster youth and alumni from across the country traveling to Washington, D.C. to accompany members of Congress to work, receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a United States Representative.

Young individuals in the foster care system face unique challenges and vulnerabilities as they navigate the transition into adulthood without the support of a stable family environment. By listening to their lived experiences, lawmakers gain invaluable insight that can better inform and shape policies impacting foster children, ultimately leading to more effective support and better outcomes for these youth.

“I was honored to welcome Micaih into my office for a day as we continue to advocate for reforms and additional investments in America’s foster care system,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Right now, there are more than 407,000 kids in foster care, and it is incumbent on leaders in Congress to ensure our nation is providing a pathway to success and equal opportunity to all of America’s children, including those in foster care. As I continue to push my colleagues to support a federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights, I want to thank Micaih for coming to the citadel of our democracy to advocate on behalf of his fellow foster family. Together, we are committed to the fulfilling the promise of foster children by guaranteeing a safe, supportive, and permanent place to call home.”

Micaih was born in Wilmington, Delaware. Beginning at the age of six, he remembers how challenging it was having to constantly pack up belongings in a bookbag and “start over” at the next place he was going to call home. Constantly moving from state to state and city to city, he still remembers all the emotions that arose from having to constantly be on the move. It was difficult for him to create long lasting bonds with friends and family members. However, that did not stop Micaih from trying his hardest to create good and loving memories with those he cared for.

As someone who is big on networking and building connections, as a Congressional Foster Youth Delegate, he looks forward to connecting with other leaders and advocates. He also wants to continue learning what it takes to become a more impactful and efficient leader. While working alongside the National Foster Youth Institute, he looks forward to creating change to help bring more resources, stability, and motivation to youth who are currently in the foster care system and for those who have aged out.

On June 14, Rep. Cleaver introduced the first-ever Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution with Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE). The bipartisan resolution aims to raise awareness of the existing rights that some states guarantee to foster youth, highlighting ten separate rights that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide.

Photos of Congressman Cleaver and Micaih are available here and here.

Original source can be found here