Dorthy: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph

Aged Out: The Stories that Built Us - A podcast by SMU Child Advocacy Clinic

Dorthy’s story is one of turning tragedy to triumph. Dorthy entered foster care at five years old after the police and social workers suddenly showed up at her home. Dorthy’s mom tried to fight back but all seven of her kids, including Dorthy, were removed from the home. Shocked and confused Dorthy ended up in a facility that housed many other kids. Dorthy had a wonderful childhood, and it wasn’t until later in life that she learned her parents had substance abuse problems. Dorthy eventually overcame the traumatic removal from her home and placement into foster care when she was adopted by her aunt and uncle. Since getting out of foster care, Dorthy has recently graduated SMU’s Dedman School of Law and has kids of her own. If you are a former foster child who aged out of the system and want to share your story, email us at [email protected]. You deserve to be heard.   Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!   Credits: Interviewee: Dorthy Lukens Interviewers: Tiereney Bowman and Rachel Post Editor: Soheil Abdmousavi