JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN AT POLINSKY

Polinsky Children’s Center is a shelter home located in San Diego, California. They claim they are a “10 day facility” that is an emergency shelter where children from newborn to 17. Kids go when they are not safe in there current environment or guardian. Particularly today was the last drop for me. This kid here, his name is confidential. But he is one of the most sweetest, selfless kids i’ve met here and today I saw him choked and sat on by a 300lb grown man. He was so stressed and in pain, I decided this is the last kid i’m going to see get hurt without speaking up. Polinsky Children’s Center claims to do what’s in the best interest of the children for there safety, which is not the case. The truth needs to be brought to the surface. I, myself was put in the system about 4 months ago. Polinsky was the first place I was brought. I came here quiet doing everything I was told. They explained I would be assigned a social worker that works with my case and finds the best and safest placement for me and my needs. For the first month I kept trying to contact my social worker and get out of here and was given 0 response. Then came a second month and then came a third. I felt and feel dumped. They provide the very bare minimum which seems okay for a 10 day facility, but in reality kids are stuck MONTHS at a time because of unresponsive social workers. Not only do these kids suffer from not having their family or a place to call home, they suffer from the constant abuse of the staff. And nothing is done about it. I have witnessed children be slammed on the floor, smashed with trash cans, insulted, antagonized, and for the 4th time sat on by 300 pound staff. We are tired, everyday is a constant battle. Being in the system is not easy and this place needs to be brought to justice. I have been forcefully sent to out of county group homes against my will, not even knowing what they are called. We suffer on the daily. The system does NOT care about the safety of the children. There goal is to get kids out and send them anywhere they can weather not it’s safe, or meets there needs. We are tired of fighting, we want love, and a home, and that’s all we ask. Why is it so hard and why are we put through all this pain?