NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of trauma therapies. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf

Tori Hope Petersen has dedicated her life to improving the brokenness of the foster care system. This talk looks at the effects of first impressions on long-term relationships and offers ideas that would give foster youth a greater chance of finding their forever families. Tori Petersen is an author and speaker who is passionate about improving the foster care system. In 2021, Tori was named Mrs. Universe and uses her platform to bring attention to suffering families and children waiting in foster care. She is the founder of a 501c3 nonprofit called the Beloved Initiative, which raises awareness around the issues of foster care, adoption, and human trafficking from the perspective of survivors. She is the CEO of Story Strong, a platform and resource for survivors to heal by telling their stories. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx