Brandon Higgins, a licensed clinical and school social worker at George Washington High School, will travel to Japan during spring break to lead workshops for young people in foster care, according to a Mar. 9 announcement.
Higgins is the secretary for the U.S. team of the International Foster Care Alliance, a nonprofit that supports youth involved in foster care in both the United States and Japan. His work is rooted in personal experience. “I grew up in foster care myself,” Higgins said. “Because of that, I know how powerful it is when young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Being able to share my story with youth who may be going through similar experiences is incredibly meaningful.”
This marks Higgins’ second trip to Japan with the alliance. During his first visit in 2023, he spoke with current and former foster youth as well as caregivers about resilience and mentorship. “The conversations we had were powerful,” Higgins said. “Even though we come from different cultures, the experiences and emotions young people face in foster care can be very similar. That connection was immediate.”
During his upcoming visit, Higgins will lead a workshop focused on Haiku poetry as a tool for self-expression and emotional healing among foster youth. “In my work as a school social worker, I often use creative outlets like writing and reflection to help students process difficult experiences,” Higgins said. “Haiku is simple, but it can be incredibly powerful. It encourages young people to slow down, reflect, and express what they’re feeling.”
Higgins also serves as head boys track and field coach at George Washington High School where he uses similar strategies with students every day. “Whether it’s in the classroom, on the track, or through writing, my goal is always the same,” Higgins said. “I want young people to understand that their story matters and that their challenges don’t define their future.”
Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority according to the official website. The district serves over 30,000 students according to its official website and focuses on fostering academic excellence through tailored education as reported by Indianapolis Public Schools. Aleesia Johnson serves as superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools according to the official website. The district provides services through a network of schools serving families across central Indianapolis according to its official website.
While in Japan this spring break, Higgins will also meet with organizations supporting foster youth with an aim toward strengthening international partnerships focused on healing and empowerment.