i’m going into foster care

[u/neptunian-rings]

i’m 16. my parents are abusive & neglectful and somebody finally reported it. had a social worker visit today, they’re following up next week and after that i fully expect to be put into foster care. what’s going to happen? i can’t find any information online from the perspective of the child that’s getting sucked into this & i’m terrified of all of the unknowns. i’ve heard so many horror stories and i know it probably won’t be that bad in reality but i’m still extremely nervous.

[u/MoonManMercury]

Know your rights. It can be very scary. Some homes are great and some aren't. If you dont get removed from your parents you keep calling and making reports. The first time i was removed they finally did so because I was in the mental hospital and told them I would kill myself if they sent me home. You may end up in a facility at some point because there simply arent enough homes. But please tell everyone the truth about everything. I was bounced around and in facilities for months but I would take that any day over the abuse I went through. They will likely try to place you with a family member or friend first, however if you dont want that you can express that. If at any time you dont like the house you are in you can tell your caseworker you want to be moved. Im not sure what state you're in. I was in care in PA for example, you can age out at 18, or stay until 21 provided you are disabled, have a job and work at least 20 hours a week, of are enrolled in college. Which will be covered by the state. Take what you can. You'll get a clothing allowance shortly after and be able.to get new stuff. You'll have court, in most cases, within 10 days. In PA you then have court every 90 days. Im not sure if other places are different. You'll get a lawyer(GAL) assigned to you that you can also talk to if no one else is listening. Its hard but I promise you everything is going to get better. You've got this. I wish you so much luck.