Maria entered the foster system in February 2024 after her family was facing tough times. Her mother asked for help on a community site, but when someone came to deliver items, they found the living conditions unacceptable and reported the family to DCFS. Maria was interviewed on Friday and removed from her home by the following Monday. She was separated from her family for a year and a half. Maria is still dealing with the trauma of that separation, but she enjoys spending time with her siblings, dancing, and being outdoors. Maria has also faced some mental health challenges and had a piece of metal removed from her foot.