The abolition movement is crucial to disrupting systemic oppression but, at times, it will inadvertently hurt foster youth by ignoring their needs within the discussion. As it strives to tear down institutions, including the child welfare system, these youth lose much-needed systems for support as so many depend on such systems to provide safety and stability. The complexity and traumatic situations these vulnerable children are forced to endure now also expose them to uncertainty. An authentic way forward to justice will be listening to the voices of foster youth themselves. Hearing their lived experiences will help create solutions that deconstruct harmful systems and ensure protection for the most vulnerable. This approach can help reform the child welfare system by focusing on the empowerment, support, and protection of foster youth without necessarily giving up broader abolition goals. A balanced approach will ensure that the push for justice does not leave behind those who need it most, thus bringing about a stronger and more inclusive future.
