May is National Foster Care Month. Henrico CASA see this as a time to raise awareness, celebrate resilience, and reflect on the journeys of Henrico County’s youth living in foster care. Last week, we explored the value of trusted adults to youth living in foster care. This week, we turn our focus to what success means for those navigating life in foster care.
Success Isn’t Always What You Think
Success isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always show up with applause, certificates, or milestones others can easily recognize. Sometimes, success is deeply personal and is felt in the quieter moments. These often-unseen victories take just as much strength—sometimes more—than the wins that are recognized.
For youth in foster care, success often unfolds in ways that don’t fit traditional narratives. Sometimes it looks like:
- Setting boundaries
- Asking for help
- Learning to regulate emotions
- Saying “yes” to something unfamiliar
Success isn’t just about where you land; it’s about what you overcome to get there.
The Journey Is Personal
What makes success personal is that it belongs to the person defining it. For young people living in foster care, success is rarely linear or one-size-fits-all. It’s shaped by their experiences.
For some, success might mean learning how to trust again after years of needing to be self-reliant. For others, it’s about simply surviving or beginning the work of healing from trauma. By recognizing and valuing these personal definitions of success, we create space for young people to feel seen and celebrated.
Letting Youth Define It for Themselves
Allowing young people to define success for themselves is vital. After all, there is no universal path to success. When we allow young people to define it for themselves, we make room to strengthen their identity and ownership.
Progress Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay
There are times when things don’t go as planned, and setbacks happen. But those setbacks don’t erase the effort or growth that came before them. Moving backward for a moment doesn’t cancel out the steps taken forward.
For youth in foster care, success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about continuing to try, even when it’s difficult. That’s important to remember, especially because these young people often face pressure to quickly “get over” challenges or meet certain standards, without enough recognition of the trauma they’ve experienced.
Community Support Matters
As we recognize National Foster Care Month, it’s important to broaden our definition of success and celebrate progress in all its forms. Every step forward is meaningful. Behind every foster youth’s journey is a community that has the power to lift them up. From case workers and foster families to teachers, we all play a role in creating opportunities for healing and hope.
One of the most powerful ways you can make a difference is by volunteering as a Henrico CASA Advocate. The children in foster care that we serve often face tremendous uncertainty, but with your guidance, they can find a path forward. By volunteering as an Advocate, you can give them a voice in decisions that impact their lives, ensuring their needs are met and their futures are brighter. Learn more about volunteering with Henrico CASA.
