Noel Anaya entered the system at age one, and was never adopted. Since he claimed his independence at age 21, Anaya has a lot to say, and he says it now as writer and producer of Unadopted.

"Your gray hands just taught me how to survive in a world. We never learned how to love ourselves unconditionally. I've been with multiple foster families, I've been with multiple shelters. How does a person like me not end up with a family. ..." - Noel Anaya in an open letter to the foster care system.

[aside label="Listen to the original NPR Story from Noel" link1="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/508608745/509179603, NPR, Noel Anaya"]

Unadopted follows Noel Anaya in his quest for answers about, his family, and his experience in the foster care system, interweaving his own journey with the stories of three other teens who, like so many foster youth, are at emotional crossroads, confronted with what may be the most important decision of their lives: whether to emancipate from the foster care system, opt into “extended care,” or pursue a "forever family." This documentary is produced by YR Media.

[pullquote size="medium" align="right"]Read more coverage on Noel Anaya and his sunder from the foster care system. [/pullquote]

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Emancipating from the foster care system explored in the short documentary, Unadopted.

Poetry Inside Out

Paperback Dreams