Equity and Excellence in the Earliest Years: Action on Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood Settings
December 16, 2014
By Jesus Garcia, Special Assistant, Office of Public Affairs
Every day at ACF, federal workers, contractors and interns devote their time and energy toward improving the lives of the nation’s most vulnerable children and families. Each person plays a significant role in helping those struggling to get into the middle class get a chance at prosperity, good health, independence and a bright future. One of those team members is Sebastian Arias.
I met the 55-year-old maintenance worker this past month after years of walking by him as he kept our central office building in immaculate conditions. Thanks to Sebastian, our workforce can operate in a clean, safe environment.
His support of our agency’s mission doesn’t end when he punches the time clock. When Sebastian arrives home, he oversees a household full of foster and adopted children.
“One day a social worker called me,” Sebastian told me one afternoon. “She said that I was recommended as a good candidate to be a foster parent because of my good character and record, and that I should consider the opportunity.”
Sebastian and his wife of 26 years Elsa — both who immigrated to the United States 20 years ago from El Salvador — thought long and hard. They had just raised eight children of their own, with only two left at home. Both Sebastian and Elsa grew up with many brothers and sisters, and they know the importance of family. So after careful consideration they decided to open their hearts and their home to children in need.
Six years and 18 foster children later, it was the best decision they ever made.
“I enjoy being a parent. I’m very grateful to provide this service and the happiness it brings to my family,” said Sebastian, who coincidentally ended up providing maintenance services to the agency that runs the nation’s foster care and adoption system.
ACF’s Children’s Bureau works hard to recruit diverse households like the Arias' home to foster and adopt. More than 102,000 children and youth in the foster care system await adoption in the United States. An estimated 20 percent or more of these children are of Hispanic descent.
The Arias’ local child welfare agency, the Latin American Youth Center, relies on the couple on a regular basis. “We never have an empty space. Once a child is reunited with their family, the agency recommends another child to take their place,” said Sebastian.
Sebastian has learned a whole lot more about being a parent through this experience. The classes he and his wife took to get licensed as foster parents opened their eyes to the needs of abused, maltreated and economically deprived children.
The best part about this experience though is the unconditional love they get from the children. “Dedicating your heart to the children is the best part of being a foster care parent,” he said.
One of those foster children eventually stole his heart. His first foster child, Alberto, came into Arias household when he was only three weeks old. Sebastian and Elsa became so attached to him they eventually adopted Alberto.
“He is the superstar of the family,” Sebastian admits. “The older children know and playfully remind me how I play favorites with Alberto.”
Today Alberto is on constant watch for Santa. He keeps reminding his father and mother that they need to put up the Christmas tree for presents that are sure to come.
“He wants his presents already,” Sebastian said. “But like always, we will celebrate with family and tamales and open presents at midnight on Christmas.”
Inspired by the story? Take action by learning more about how to foster and how to adopt . For Washington, D.C. area residents, visit the Latin American Youth Center , a licensed foster care provider in the District of Columbia.
