ABSTRACT
The Smith family has just adopted Aisha, a 10-year-old African-American girl who has been in the foster care system for three years. Aisha was placed in foster care after her mother was convicted of theft; Aisha’s father has not been involved with her since she was two years old, and her other family members were unable to care for her. Before Aisha was placed in foster care, she lived in poverty with her mother and two siblings. However, despite these difficulties, she seemed to be thriving in her environment, and her mother was able to provide the necessities for her family. After her mother’s arrest, Aisha was placed briefly with an African-American family and had been adjusting well to school, peers, and her new family.
