Social capital: What foster children really need | Victor Sims | TEDxLakeland

Having been a foster child himself, Victor Sims understands better than most the challenges that such children face when they "age out" of the system. He advocates for policies that will help these young people develop the social capital needed to face the loss of their only support network at the most vulnerable time in their lives. Victor Sims, a product of the foster care system, is a passionate advocate for vulnerable children. He currently serves as a case manager for the Children’s Home Society of Florida. As a student at Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School, he simultaneously earned a high school diploma and associate's degree in liberal arts, has a bachelor's degree in psychology, and is working on a master's degree in public administration. In high school, Victor was named an Outstanding Young Leader by FosterClub, a national network for youth in foster care. He is a Champion of Child Welfare, serves on the National Foster Youth and Alumni Policy Council, was named as a Child Defender Fellow by the Children’s Defense Fund, has advised both the Obama and Trump administrations on the importance of social capital for children in foster care, and is a board member of Closed Mouth, a designated treatment center for individuals who are victims of abuse to speak out and receive appropriate therapy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx