Written by Ashley November whisked by in a whirlwind of fallen variegated leaves and crisp air. It was National Adoption (of humans) Month, and I spent it reflecting on my teen years in the Alameda County child welfare system. Or as I now refer to it, the family policing system,

You just had a baby and you’re cruising through maternity leave.  Five minutes ago your baby was a newborn — a cozy little blob of goo who slept peacefully on your chest between feedings.  Now she yells and laughs, she kicks you and yanks your hair.  She faces out in