MANILA, Philippines — Sesame Street debut a new muppet named Karli, who was taken in by a foster family, as part of the show's new campaign to support children under foster care, families that provide foster care, and those who serve foster families.
In a video entitled "You Belong," Elmo meets Karli and her foster family Dalia and Clem when Elmo drops by for dinner. As they get ready to eat pizza, Karli could not find her place mat.
"I don't have a place," she said.
When Elmo asked why she got sad, Dali and Clem explained Karli's story.
“She’s having a hard time Elmo, but we’re here for her. We’re her for-now-parents,” Clem said.
Dalia then told Elmo that Karli's mom left her and that they are currently taking care of her.
“We will keep her safe until her mommy can take care of her again.”
After comforting Karli, Dalia then sings "You Belong."
Karli's character is part of the show's new program, wherein they talk about the role foster parents and children play in society. "We have created an initiative to support foster families and the providers they work with," Sesame Street said in a tweet.
Meet Karli, a young Muppet in foster care. We have created an initiative to support foster families and the providers they work with. Explore the new page for strategies to help children in crisis grow and thrive: https://t.co/PTnn8a6TYU #SesameCommunity pic.twitter.com/RqVIWaaXCc — Sesame Street in Communities (@SesameCommunity) May 20, 2019
Today @SesameCommunity announced a new initiative to support foster children, foster parents, & providers who serve foster families. The new content features Karli, a young Muppet in foster care and her “for now” parents, Dalia & Clem https://t.co/kr5sfakrQP #SesameCommunity pic.twitter.com/v35bgeJlIr — Sherrie Westin (@srwestin) May 20, 2019
Karli is the latest addition to the show as part of its efforts to be more inclusive. In 2017, it introduced Julia, a muppet with autism. —Rappler.com
