Sunni has a family, and a puppy too. She likes to visit the playground, how about you?

Sunni is usually happy, acting silly and having fun....

But something bad just happened, and now Sunni wants to run! 

See, Sunni heard her daddy yelling, and her mommy start to cry. She wondered what was happening, but was too scared to ask why. 

Have you ever felt scared like Sunni...?

Sunni saw the police car coming, and a knock came at the door. Then she met the social worker, who sat and talked with her on the floor. 

Have you ever talked to a social worker like Sunni...? Social workers help keep kids safe.

Her daddy left with the policeman, and Sunni didn’t know why, all that she kept thinking was,“I didn’t say goodbye”. 

Has a policeman ever come to your home? Policemen help keep kids safe.

Mommy went to the hospital, and Sunni couldn’t go. This made her very frustrated, and tears began to flow. The social worker whispered softly, “it will all be ok, we’re going somewhere safe, that isn’t far away”. Have you ever felt frustrated like Sunni...?

Sunni thought about her mommy, as she shook in her car seat. Her belly was feeling icky, when would she get to eat?

Then Sunni saw the yellow house, it looked so very tall. Although the new family seemed friendly, Sunni backed against the wall. 

Have you ever been to a foster home like Sunni...? Foster parents help keep kids safe. 

Sunni missed her puppy Gus-Gus, and her cuddly blanket too. It was her first night away from home, and she didn’t know what to do! 

  Have you ever felt lonely like Sunni...?

The bedroom seemed much bigger, than the one she had at home. Sunni really needed her daddy...if only she could find the phone. 

Have you ever missed someone special

like Sunni...?

Then Sunni went to see the doctor, who listened to her heart. He looked in Sunni’s ears and eyes...she was nervous from the start!  Have you ever been to the doctor like Sunni...? Doctors help keep kids healthy and safe.

The foster family was friendly, they treated Sunni nice. They bought her lots of new things, and gave her good advice. But Sunni still missed her family, it made her oh-so-sad. She worried about her parents, asking, “did I do something bad?”

Have you ever felt it was your fault like Sunni...?

It is NOT your fault!

Then Sunni’s mommy came to visit, and it brightened up her day. She brought along Gus-Gus, and a special game to play. She hugged and kissed Sunni, and at the visit’s end, said “I love you, Sunni, you will soon be home again!" Have you ever felt hopeful like Sunni...?

And as her mommy was leaving, she paused and waved good-bye. She said, “Sunni, it’s not your fault, I'm sorry”, and told Sunni not to cry. Yet Sunni screamed for mommy, as she waved bye-bye again, because she also missed her daddy, her home, and her best friend. 

Have you ever felt sad like Sunni...?

Then the foster mom made cupcakes, and let Sunni lick the spoon. Sunni was feeling happy, she would call her daddy soon. This new family was welcoming, they were nice and they were kind. But Sunni still wanted to go home, and it was taking a long time. 

Have you ever felt discouraged like Sunni...?

The social worker came to visit, and she was really sweet. She answered all Sunni’s questions, and even took her for a treat. She said Sunni’s parents love her, and want her to come home, and even though she can’t always see them, she could talk to them on the phone. 

Have you ever been able to only talk to your parent on the

phone like Sunni...?

The social worker said to Sunni, “your parents are working hard! They’re learning how to get along, to help you heal your scars”. 

Have you ever felt hurt like Sunni...?

Sunni’s parents went to see the judge, who listened with concern. She said it would be a while longer, before Sunni could safely return. 

Have your parents ever been to court like Sunni’s...?

Judges make decisions that help keep kids safe.

Soon summer turned to winter, and the snow began to fall. Sunni was so angry, she wanted to kick the wall. “Why can’t I go home?” she shouted, “what’s the reason why? I really want to tell the judge, please just let them try!” 

  Have you ever felt angry like Sunni...?