On Foster Youth Shadow Day, Conyers Shares His Workday with Wayne State Student Leader Jeseekia Vaughn

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) along with other Members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth participated in the third annual Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. The month of May has been designated “National Foster Care Month,” and the 2014 theme for the entire month is, “Building Blocks Toward Permanent Families.” Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day provides an opportunity for foster youth to experience the day-to-day workings of the United States Congress. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for foster youth to network and explore future careers in Washington. Nearly 70 foster youth and alumni from cities across the country traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate.

During the day, Jeseekia Vaughn - who spent four years in Michigan’s state foster care system- shadowed Rep. Conyers while he attended a House Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing on the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Vaughn also accompanied Rep. Conyers to a congressional briefing and associated press conference with legendary Motown singers and other Members of Congress. Despite her past experience, Ms. Vaughn is now attending Wayne State University pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Following the afternoon events, Rep. Conyers issued this statement:

“I am delighted to have had Jeseekia Vaughn here with me today to witness and experience the inner workings of Congress. As a Wayne State University student and advocate for foster youth, I hope that this experience will further inspire her to grow as the leader she is and continue to serve and mentor others,” said Conyers.

“Tragically, in the United States nearly 400,000 young people are looking for permanency with caring parents. Foster youth are better served when placed in permanent care such as adoption, legal guardianship, reunification with their birth family or placement with a fit and willing relative. Every child should have a loving and supportive family with the assurance of a bright future and I will continue to work on issues that encourage building permanency for America’s foster youth.”

Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) and Jeseekia Vaughn on Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.

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