Child Welfare Systems: The Zemblanity of Forced Orphans with Jazmin Banks

In this episode, a foster parent talks about how she was the "perfect victim" who entered the system to save children only to discover she was complicit in a brutal system that perpetuates psychological abuse against both foster parents and birth parents.

Jazmin S. Banks was a “Family and Community Inclusion Specialist” at the Department of Behavioral Health (a.k.a. DBH), for 14 years. She worked tirelessly to bridge the gaps between large Serving Systems, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Non-Profit Organizations, Faith and Family-run organizations, to help family members and other marginalized populations to gain “access” to resources and opportunities. She was a “servant leader” that constantly enhanced supports and services, while serving as a “bridge” and impromptu “resource coordinator” by partnering with Cross-Systems Staff and community partners. She coordinated and facilitated the county-run “Family Member Storytelling Training” for about 13 years, and for 5-6 years, she coordinated and hosted “inclusive” Community Meetings where hundreds of community members, service recipient and family members attended monthly. For outstanding dedication and commitment to family and community service, Jazmin won a Commissioner, Dr. Arthur C. Evans (ACE) “Trailblazer” award in 2017. About 30 years ago, Jazmin followed her heart, her love of children and curiosity and compassion and ended up becoming a Foster Parent to multiple children (15) with various disabilities. She later adopted 5 older sons (but only had two adoptions: four sons the first time and adopted one son the 2nd time.) Two of her sons currently live at home - her youngest, now 24, who lives with Autism and an Intellectual disability & her eldest son, now 33, who lives with a learning difference, as well as physical and mental health challenges. Jazmin is currently finishing up a ground breaking, tell-all memoir to share intimate details about the tragedies of at-risk parenting in America, and will be offering suggestions for positive and meaningful change.

Resources mentioned on this show:
Video here
Every Mother's a Working Mother's website

Originally aired on February 14, 2020.