The Little Boy and His Social WorkerIn today's Wednesday's Child segment we meet a young man who says the foster care system may have saved his life.
"He was a little thin kid, really quiet. Even today he doesn't look a day older," says Pamela Cranford from the Department of Children & Families.
Pamela Cranford and Carlos Toro are more than colleagues, they're friends, and their union began more than a decade ago when Carlos, now 29, was in state care.
"My mother was still involved in drugs and my father was in jail and so I ended up staying with a friend of the family, and DCF became involved," says Toro.
Social Worker a "Guardian Angel"That family friend stepped in as Carlos' foster mother, and, says supervising social worker Pamela, became what Carlos calls his guardian angel.
"I really didn't make my needs known too much, but I ended up going to counseling because I needed counseling to deal with what went on with my family," says Toro.
"And when he told me, 'No, you're the one who made a mark' and I guess those ice creams, the drives, and those hugs meant more than I thought," says Cranford.
It's Carlos' foster mom who deserves all of the praise.
"But the bottom line is this lady's motivation was from the heart. It wasn't for a paycheck, it wasn't from DCF coming if I have a problem or not," says Toro.
Carlos Toro Becomes a Social Worker TooAs a social worker at the Department of Children and Families in Hartford, Carlos is helping many Connecticut children during difficult times. But he says it's his faith which sustains him.
"The Lord had his hand on me since I was a young person. I didn't know that then but now I know, he's telling me about my life and I wouldn't be sitting where I am.”
Now this University of Connecticut graduate is married and expecting his first child. He has this advice for the hundreds of other children coping with life's challenges, "Now you can look at your situation and be a victim or you can look at it and be victorious."
Advice from a man who's turned his pain into passion.
Carlos is happy to report he continues a relationship with his biological parents and siblings and all are doing well.
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For more information about foster care call Casey Family Services at 1-888-799-K.I.D.S
Casey Family Services
127 Church Street
New Haven, CT
1-888-799-KIDS
Reprinted with permission of WTHN-TV. |