Graduate Works to Advocate for Foster Youth, Gets Legislation Passed

Brenden Kudla | January 12, 2021

Josh Christian ’20 began college at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana.  After the school suspended operations, Christian was one of 80 students who transferred to Marian in 2017. Like those 80 students, Christian was eager to finish his college career at Marian.

Christian grew up in the foster care system, living in 18 different foster care homes in 18 years. Despite those challenges, he has been able to use his experience as a tool to advocate for foster youth.

One of his largest accomplishments has been his work that helped create the Foster Parent Bill of Rights and pass legislation which extends foster care services until the age of 23 in Indiana. For his work, Christian received the Adoption Excellence Award in Washington, D.C., in November 2018.

Christian has continued his work with foster youth upon graduation.

"I loved my time at Saint Joseph’s College and with Marian bringing Saint Joe Indy to campus, I have been able to work as an intern to help foster youth enrolled at Saint Joe Indy.”