High Level Summary
In this episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons interviews therapist and advocate Constance English (Serenity Sage) about her journey through the foster care system and her efforts to reform it. The conversation highlights the critical importance of maintaining sibling bonds, reclaiming identity, and transitioning from survival mode to thriving. Through her nonprofit and advocacy programs, Constance provides a blueprint for systemic change and emotional healing for displaced youth.
Key Takeaways
Sibling bonds are essential for the emotional survival and healing of children in foster care, and separating them causes severe long term trauma.
The foster care system often engages in identity stripping, reducing children to their status rather than supporting their unique personal identities.
True rehabilitation requires transitioning youth out of survival mode by addressing their core needs through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
Developing reciprocity and life skills is crucial to breaking the cycle of dependency and preparing foster youth for successful adulthood.
Detailed Outline and Topic Breakdown
Childhood in Bakersfield: Constance describes her early years in Bakersfield, California, explaining that despite the crack epidemic and community violence, she felt safe because of the love and protection within her family.
Entering Foster Care: After being parentified and caring for her sisters, Constance and her siblings were abandoned at a homeless shelter in Oklahoma, exposing the critical lack of preventative support in child welfare.
The Flaws of the System: Constance explains how the system strips children of their identities, separates siblings, and replaces genuine emotional connection with materialistic items, ultimately failing to prepare them for life after 18.
The Unyes Movement and Book: Based on the acronym of her sisters' names (United, Nation, Yield, Empowered, Sovereignty), Constance's book and movement offer reflective tools and resources for all system stakeholders to facilitate healing.
Innovative Behavioral and Therapy Programs: Constance introduces the 'Earn My Yes' behavior program, the 'What's New, Blue, and True' therapy technique, and the 'C.R.A.P.' relationship framework to help youth build healthy connections and life skills.
Siblings United Visitations: The launch of a nonprofit that hosts sibling visits in fun, natural settings rather than cold county offices, alongside plans for a dedicated visitation home and transportation services.
Memorable Quotes
"Sometimes we feel that people need saving, but that doesn't mean they need saving just because it's not your identity of what you consider safe." (Constance English)
"No child should heal alone." (Constance English)
"The same system raises us, displaces us, and then we become the way we are." (Constance English)
Resources, Tools, and Recommendations Mentioned
The Unyes Book: Unyes: Abandonment to Success by Serenity Sage
The Unyes Movement Website: https://unyes.org
Siblings United Visitations: National nonprofit for sibling connection
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Used for the twenty week survival mode workbook
C.R.A.P. Framework: Relationship acronym standing for Communication, Respect, Accountability, and Participation
Hop Skip Drive: Medical and school transportation service mentioned in the episode
Coach Monty: Supporter donating a 3500 square foot visitation house
