Every child longs to feel secure and loved, no matter the circumstances he or she is currently facing. For children in the foster care system, the most ardent wish of most is to have a family choose them through adoption. There are many families living in Maryland that may also be seeking to bring a child into their homes.
One young man spent the majority of his childhood in and out of a succession of foster care homes. When he turned 18 and still did not have a family to call his own, he turned to the streets. He wound up living in an automobile for lack of a better alternative. Somehow, his story caught the attention of an official who had assisted him as a child. He then contacted a couple that had adopted the boy’s younger biological sister.
The couple agreed to meet the unhappy teen. He was invited to move into their home with the rest of their family. He was at first uncomfortable and questioned whether this family truly accepted his presence. One year after their introduction, the couple desired to take the unusual step of formally by adopting the young man into their family.
The court approved the petition, and the man without a home now had a family that truly wanted him as their own. He even decided to take a new name to reflect his change in circumstances. While it is unusual to consider adopting a son or daughter who has technically aged out of the system, this family felt strongly enough to cement their relationship in a formal and legal manner. Maryland families that are committed to making a difference in the life of a child may benefit from researching the adoption process in their state. There are nearby resources that may provide the assistance and experience needed in order to permanently change the life of a child for the better forever.
Source: wfaa.com, “19-year-old finds belonging through adoption”, Janet St. James, Nov. 5, 2014