Growing Up in The System

Shirley Diaz’s life has been shaped by the tragedy of her mother’s murder, and the difficulty of growing up in six different foster homes, separated from her six younger siblings. To avoid being consumed by loss, Shirley tries to make sense of these events and find refuge in home and family as she finds them.

Listen to "Soul Searching" written and performed by Shirley Diaz

Awards

In October 2008, Shirley's story won the Third Coast International Audio Festival's Silver Award for Best Documentary. Listen to her acceptance speech.