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More Than a Case Number: The Inspiring Stories of Teshiana Smith-Nichols and Madison Clifford
At A Second Chance, Inc., we recognize the importance of delving into the lived experiences of caregivers, birth parents, and children. By doing so, we aim to glean irreplaceable insights that contribute to authentic narratives and inform meaningful programming. Through these dialogues, we strive to foster understanding and create a supportive community for kinship families. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Teshiana Smith-Nichols and Madison Clifford, both of whom have aged out of the child welfare system, and they shared their powerful stories with us. Their experiences provide crucial insights that shape the support we offer, shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs they face. By truly listening to their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of their unique struggles and resilience, guiding us to create meaningful change and ensure these young adults receive the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Teshiana Smith-Nichols and Madison Clifford’s journeys through the child welfare system are both powerful testaments to resilience, hope, and the unyielding drive to rewrite one’s narrative despite immense hardships. Their stories reflect not only the pain and obstacles they faced but also the extraordinary strength and determination they cultivated along the way.
Teshiana entered the child welfare system at a young age due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. “At first, it was very intimidating to navigate,” she recalled, “but I quickly learned that the majority of the individuals I worked with had my best intentions at hand.” Though the experience was challenging—being pulled out of school, enduring court hearings, and grappling with the upheaval of her family—Teshiana ultimately found lifelong relationships and life-changing opportunities that set her on a path of advocacy. “It led to me becoming a national foster youth advocate and doing child welfare representation,” she shared, reflecting on how the system, despite its flaws, allowed her to make a lasting impact.
Madison’s story echoes similar themes of hardship, but her journey also highlights the lack of empathy she often faced. Madison’s childhood was shaped by her mother’s mental health struggles and a stepfather battling addiction to drugs. “I was 17, and my mom had a schizophrenic break. My stepdad was addicted to methamphetamines and opioids. That’s when we got taken away,” she explained. At the age of 16, Madison was placed in foster care, and like Teshiana, she encountered the uncertainty and emotional strain that often accompanies such an experience.
Madison faced an incredibly challenging moment shortly after turning 18, when her mother passed away. Despite the challenges she faced, Madison confided in workers who showed her empathy during this time. She recalls the impact that her ASCI caseworker, David, had on her life. “He does his job. He’s the best caseworker I’ve had,” Madison said.
This caseworker’s compassionate approach became a vital source of support, helping Madison navigate her health and providing the guidance she needed to overcome obstacles she had long avoided. His compassionate and hands-on care helped empower Madison to take charge of her well-being and move forward.
Both Teshiana and Madison faced the daunting challenge of aging out of the system, a process that can feel overwhelming for youth without the proper guidance, resources, and support. “I feel like if I would have had my transition planning sooner, I could have avoided a lot of obstacles in my life,” Madison admitted. “But now, things are better.” For Teshiana, the system’s shortcomings in long-term support left her feeling adrift, but she eventually found her own sense of purpose through advocacy, pushing for more resources and lifelong support for those aging out. “There needs to be more emphasis on lifelong support and ensuring there’s an aftercare plan for youth who are aging out,” Teshiana said.
There needs to be more emphasis on lifelong support and ensuring there’s an aftercare plan for youth who are aging out.
Teshiana Smith-Nichols
Through these challenges, both women found their way to education and a sense of purpose. Teshiana’s passion for speaking and advocacy led her to become a national advocate for foster youth, while Madison, fueled by her own experiences with addiction, set her sights on a career as a substance abuse counselor. What makes both Teshiana and Madison’s stories so impactful is their ability to find strength amid adversity. For Teshiana, it was the encouragement of caseworkers like the late Ms. Darlene, who treated her like family, and her own advocacy work that motivated her to continue fighting for better support for foster youth. “Ms. Darlene was ultimately the greatest. She didn’t miss a beat. We never went without food. We never went without knowing what was going on with our case, and she constantly kept us in communication with individuals who were like her, who would truly stand behind us in what we desired and what we truly needed,” she explained. So she was and will always be the best person I’ve ever met.”
Madison, on the other hand, found wisdom in the advice of her grandmother, “‘Don’t borrow trouble,’” she began. “It means don’t worry about what’s going to happen next. Just focus on what you can control now.”
Both women found inspiration in the support of mentors and advocates who truly saw them as individuals, not just as case numbers.
Madison’s advice for those about to age out of the system mirrors Teshiana’s: “You’re more than your story. You’re more than a case number.”
You’re more than your story. You’re more than a case number.
Madison Clifford
Further, Teshiana and Madison emphasize the importance of self-advocacy, education, and building connections that can help pave the way to a better future for youth in care. Teshiana encourages youth to reach out for help when needed and to always stand up for themselves and others. “Go to school. If you need additional education, do that. You’re already halfway there. Work, make a name for yourself. Turn your life into something positive versus negative,” Madison added.
Go to school. If you need additional education, do that. You’re already halfway there. Work, make a name for yourself. Turn your life into something positive versus negative.
Madison Clifford
As Teshiana and Madison continue their journeys toward brighter futures, they serve as powerful reminders that no matter where you start, it’s possible to rewrite your story and create a life filled with purpose and possibility. They have not only survived their experiences within the child welfare system—they have emerged stronger, determined, and ready to make a difference in the world. As Teshiana says, “There’s so much more to me than what people see on paper,” and as Madison declares, “I want to be that person who believes in others, just like someone believed in me.”
Their stories remind us that with the right resources and support, any young adult can overcome adversity and build a bright future.