Episode #11 - Caitlin

Caitlin entered foster care at age 13 and quickly learned how dehumanizing the system can be for vulnerable youth. Instead of protection, she encountered punishment—interactions with first responders, medical professionals, and law enforcement that treated her as a problem to be managed rather than a child in crisis.

Her experience is not unique.

In this episode, Caitlin shares how early system involvement shaped her life, and how being criminalized instead of supported deepened her vulnerability. Today, Caitlin is an advocate and a member of Children of the Night’s alumni committee, working from within the system to help humanize exploited youth and change how they are treated.

Dr. Lois Lee reflects on why so many systems fail children like Caitlin—and why compassion, trauma-informed response, and long-term support are essential to real recovery. Caitlin’s story is a powerful reminder that how we treat children in their most vulnerable moments can determine the rest of their lives.

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Episode Highlights

• Entering foster care at 13
• How punishment replaced protection
• Interactions with first responders, doctors, and law enforcement
• The long-term impact of criminalization on vulnerable youth
• Caitlin’s journey into advocacy and leadership
• Why survivor voices matter in reforming systems

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