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Three Little Words is eye-opening, breathtaking and painful. A young woman tells her story of growing up in the foster care system here in West/Central Florida, eventually ending up at Tampa Children’s Home before she is finally adopted after spending nearly 10 years in foster care. The memoir account of Ashley Rhodes-Courter has been widely acclaimed since it was published in 2008. She tells her unique story, but thousands of others must have their own variations, some happier, some more tragic than others.

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The odds seemed to be stacked against Ashley Rhodes Carter. Born to a teenage mother in Florida in 1985 and removed from her mother at the age of three, she spent ten years in 14 different homes, surviving abuse, neglect, and separation from her brother.

But Ashley defeated the odds. Adopted at the age of 12, Ashley completed high school, went to college on a full scholarship, and obtained a master’s in social work. In 2008, Ashley published Three Little Words, chronicling her harrowing journey through the child welfare system and her eventual adoption by a family whose loving care enabled her to blossom into an accomplished and successful adult.

I just discovered this book, which is surprisingly classified as Young Adult. But Three Little Words should be required reading for any child welfare professional. Ashley’s story illustrates some ways that things have improved and some ways they haven’t, and casts light on debates that are still raging. People should know that adoption is not just to find adoption legal service, complete the procedures and gain ownership, but to develop love and togetherness. 

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In her undeniably honest and inspiring memoir Three Little Words, we were captivated by Ashley Rhodes-Courter, an amazing young woman who—through nine years, forty-four caseworkers, and fourteen foster homes—”not only survived, she thrived” (Teen People).

Since then Rhodes-Courter has become an international advocate for adoption and child welfare. She has been interviewed by Diane Sawyer and spoken on Capitol Hill. She was called upon to run for Florida State Senate. She became a foster and adoptive parent, helping children just like herself. And she has begun to come to terms with her past.

THREE MORE WORDS explains how the foster kid who refused to slip through the cracks has begun to change the world. Continue reading

Posted on July 5, 2015 by Pat O’Brien

By JOSEPH COOPER, BONNIE BERMAN, RICHARD IVES & PAUL LEARY • JUL 20, 2015

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07/20/15- On Monday’s Topical Currents we visit with a child welfare advocate who started her work early:  at age 14.

Ashley Rhodes-Courter entered Florida’s foster care system at age three.  She was shuttled between 14 foster homes—some abusive–before adoption at age 12. She’s written two remarkable memoirs and is in the forefront of the child welfare movement. We’ll hear her story Monday, at 1pm.

• http://rhodes-courter.com/
• Books:
• Three Little Words
• Three More Words

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Author of her new memoir “Three More Words”, Ashley Rhodes-Courter is our guest this evening. Since we interviewed her about her first book on March 2, 2008, a lot has happened in Ashley’s life. A CASA Advocate, foster and adoptive mom, birth mom, professional social worker, and founder of a not-for-profit organization. Listen to this interview catching up with Ashley’s life. Ashley also offers personal reflection about how having adoptive parents enhance her life even as she approaches her 30th year. Then, after listening, run out and pick-up Three More Words: http://www.amazon.com/Three-More-Words-Ashley-Rhodes-Courter/dp/1481415573 Pat O’Brien and Chester Jackson hosts

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