FOR FOSTER CARE PLACEMENTS

Please contact us at 614.313.2497 or anita.godfrey@yasohio.org.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT
BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT? 

Contact our team at 614.285.3767 or cgilbert@yasohio.org or click on the link below to learn more about our fostering process.

In the complex landscape of foster care, where nearly every foster child has experienced one traumatic event such as abuse, neglect, and physical or gun violence, overrepresentation of Black youth exacerbates an already challenging system.  But despite the availability of city and county-wide programs, the demand exceeds the capacity of overworked agencies, leaving Black youth struggling to access essential services. What’s more, the scarcity of Black counselors not only exacerbates the trust gap for racialized foster youth but also hinders their ability to connect with professionals who truly understand their unique experiences.

In Her Shoes: Anita Godfrey’s Journey as a Leading Black Woman in Foster Care Advocacy

FEBRUARY 2024  |  BY JOCELYN PENNINO

​

Amid these systemic issues, Anita Godfrey, the Director of Foster Care for Youth Advocate Services (YAS) emerges as a beacon of hope and change. In our interview with Anita, we delve into her experience with the foster care system, challenges she faces as a woman of color, and the powerful encounters that have shaped her mission to empower the younger generation, especially those navigating foster care.

Anita’s Journey to Leadership
Around thirty years ago, a chance encounter at a career fair set the stage for Anita’s transformative journey in the realm of child welfare. When a woman stopped her and asked if she had ever considered a career in child welfare, Anita, driven by a calling toward children’s services, embarked on a path that would define her life’s work.

Anita recounted the pivotal time-period etched in her memory – an experience that exposed her to the harsh realities of housing situations, abuse, and neglect – that profoundly shaped her perspective on the world she was entering.  “I was naïve. I had no idea to which extent of trauma or bad living situations these kids were experiencing before working as a case worker at FCCS (Franklin County Children Services). It was eye-opening. And I knew I wanted to help.”

During her tenure at FCCS, Anita found inspiration in two influential figures— Lisa, a formidable Black woman whose commanding presence radiated both authority and compassion, and Derek, a unit leader adept at connecting with clients on a personal level. Witnessing their impactful approach left an indelible mark on Anita's approach to leadership and mentorship. “I always want my staff to feel safe, heard, and supported. And to know how proud I am of them,” she emphasized.

It wasn’t until her time at The Bair Foundation that Anita fully embraced her calling to lead in the foster care sector after a director acknowledged and affirmed her passion. She transitioned from a Case Manager to Licensing Coordinator, embarking on an in-depth exploration into the broader dynamics of the foster care system.

Anita initially joined YAS as Training Coordinator, where her expertise and dedication stood out. Her remarkable contributions to the foster care team didn't go unnoticed, leading to the natural progression into her role of Director of Foster Care. For the past five years, Anita has held this position with distinction, demonstrating not only her merit and commitment to YAS' mission but also contributing significantly to the improvement of foster care in Central Ohio.

 
Navigating Challenges
As a Black woman in a field lacking representation, Anita’s journey faced its share of challenges. Families – more so 30 years ago than now – wrongly believed child services profited from taking Black children into custody, making her job and relationships with families more difficult. “It’s already hard enough to knock on someone’s door with police at your side and tell them you have to take their child, let alone having them think you’re doing it for a profit!” Anita stated.

Hurtful comments about her speech and struggles with authenticity hindered Anita’s confidence. Her frustration palpable as she recounted, "I always felt different because of the way I talk. So many times I would hear, 'you're a White girl in a Black girl's body,' and I didn't understand what that even meant. I just wish people wouldn't assign me to anything; I'm just trying to be me! It's things like that that made me self-conscious about who I was for so long until I realized I needed to break free from it. To say, 'this is me, take it or leave it.'"

Despite significant strides, challenges persist today. As one of the few people of color at conferences for children welfare agencies, Anita keenly feels the weight of representation. The responsibility to not only represent YAS but also her Black community adds an additional layer of accountability. Anita shared, “I know my words have amplified significance, especially in spaces where diversity is lacking.”

Anita says the responsibility of representation is heavy, and she feels as though she's not always given the same leniency as others. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, "After 5 years in the role as Director, I finally feel like I have earned trust within the foster care community." Still, she's determined to prove herself, not just for her seat at the table but to keep it open for others.

 
Fostering Hope for Youth in Foster Care
Recognizing the unique needs of foster youth, especially those of color, Anita is on a mission to foster hope and positive connections. "I try to make every interaction positive because they need to have that from somebody who looks like them, to confirm their value," she passionately asserts. For these youth, Anita serves as a living testament that possibilities are limitless, saying, "I want these kids to know that foster care is just one chapter in their whole book of life. Whatever they want to do or become, they can…because look at me.”

Anita went on to explain the pressure she feels to diversify her team, acknowledging the scarcity of people of color in social services and mental health fields due to historical racial disparities in education. This shortage poses a challenge in connecting Black foster youth with professionals who truly understand their experiences. Anita recounts a poignant instance where a Black foster youth, struggling with depression, couldn't open up to a well-qualified and experienced counselor. However, when Anita, with whom this youth did not have a previous relationship with, stepped in, the youth immediately felt comfortable sharing. This revelation underscores the need for more Black counselors who can comprehend and address the nuanced challenges faced by youth of color.

Anita emphasized, “These are the daily challenges within the foster care system, especially in finding appropriate services for Black youth.” Despite these hurdles, she remains committed to ensuring that every youth, regardless of their background, gets the support they deserve. The goal is not just to navigate the system but to transform it, creating a nurturing environment where representation becomes a powerful catalyst for fostering hope and bridging the gaps in the lives of these resilient young individuals.
 

Collective Empowerment
So, what can be done?

She asserts that transforming the landscape requires a joint effort within the community and education system. Advocating for proactive steps, Anita believes in encouraging young minds early, making them aware of the immense need for professionals in these fields.

But the call to action extends beyond mere encouragement. Anita emphasizes the necessity of fair compensation for these professionals. The stress of their vital role should not be compounded by financial strain, hindering their ability to provide the necessary support. “These individuals are lifesavers, yet many struggle to support themselves,” she admits.

Anita also confronts the prevailing stigma around mental health in the Black community. Breaking free from stereotypes and acknowledging the importance of seeking help is crucial. She challenges the misconception that mental health discussions are exclusive to certain racial or ethnic groups. Eradicating this stigma, according to Anita, is a key step toward reducing the number of children in foster care.

Reflecting on her own growth, Anita underscores the value of a continuous learning mindset. As a leader, she navigates Ohio Foster Care Rules meticulously, driven by a deep-seated motivation “to be a genuine advocate for everyone—my staff, foster parents, and, especially, foster youth.”

In Anita's vision, representation becomes the catalyst for change. Seeing individuals in leadership positions who mirror their own identities empowers young minds to envision possibilities and say, "I want to do that, and I can do that; it's possible. She looks like me." Anita's journey exemplifies that progress is an ongoing process, and with an open mind, continuous learning, and collective effort, we can build a future where every youth feels seen, heard, and empowered. The journey is far from over, but Anita stands as a testament that each step forward contributes to a brighter tomorrow.

 
Foster Parents Needed:
Help foster youth thrive: Contact YAS Licensing & Recruitment Coordinator, Crystal Gilbert, to learn more! E:cgilbert@yasohio.org  P: 614-285-3767  W:https://bit.ly/YOUcan-fp
 
Additional Resources:

Psychology Today – Find a Black Therapist in Ohio based on various criteria
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio – A mentoring organization dedicated to empowering youth achieve their full potential.
Black Girls Rising – Evaluating Black Girl’s Experiences of Trauma and Resiliency
Commission on Black Girls – Provides resources and advocacy for programs and policies that enrich the lives of Black girls.
Eryn PiNK Girl Empowerment Program – Mentorships and resources to empower girls and teens, with a targeted emphasis on creating pathways of advancement for girls and young women of color to thrive.

Anita Godfrey, MPA, LSW, YAS Director of Foster Care 

contact us today