Black Butterfly

This compelling trilogy is the story of a mother's struggle with substance addiction, domestic violence, and the foster care system. Counselors, teachers, and educators may find it a great resource for students in similar situations.

In 1977, siblings Tina, Michelle, and Leon Hilton live with their mother, Catherine, in Detroit. Although times are tough, Catherine does the best she can with the support of her mother - and in spite of the abuse she receives from her boyfriend, Victor. When 11-year-old Michelle is accidentally injured, a caseworker from Child Protective Services visits the family. Later, Victor's drug stash is found in their house, and soon the three siblings are taken from their mother and placed into separate foster homes.

This is the story of Catherine Hilton, a mother struggling with substance addiction and domestic violence at the hands of her boyfriend, Victor Sinclair. When Catherine’s home is investigated, Child Protective Services (CPS) intervenes, Victor is sent to prison, and she loses her children to the foster care system.

Black Butterfly is a compilation of poetry that speaks to the silence of loss, fight for families, and love for foster children. With consideration to the daily realities that foster children or youth may experience, Black Butterfly embodies real-life issues through faith-based reflections. This is a young girl's journey, pre and post, foster care. This compilation is dedicated to the foster child, the youth-in-crisis, and individuals striving to achieve positive change.