When Ryan and Brittany decided to grow their family through Children’s Home’s Foster Care Adoption program, they were both excited and nervous. Brittany, with a background in social work, brought a unique perspective; both she and her husband were acutely aware of the challenges ahead.
“We have friends who went through adopting from foster care with their 13-year-old,” said Ryan. “It really opened our eyes to the need for teens to find permanent homes. We were inspired by that and thought this was the right path for us.”
The couple attended trainings offered by Children’s Home to prepare them for being parents of an older child. The sessions were enlightening, covering the tough realities of taking in a child who has faced trauma, and the importance of being adaptable and supportive.
As Ryan and Brittany reviewed profiles of children waiting for permanency, they thought about how they would know when they had the right match. “We’re both a bit nerdy,” said Brittany, “and we have a house full of pets, so we looked at the interests each child had. When we saw Mady and learned she liked animals and Harry Potter, it just seemed right!”
After a series of Zoom calls and in-person visits, Brittany, Ryan, and Mady decided to come together as a family in late 2021.
Living under the same roof came with challenges, from establishing mealtime routines to setting boundaries, especially around technology use. “We had to strike a balance,” said Ryan. “After living in foster homes for much of her life, some limits were new for Mady. We didn’t want to be too restrictive, but we also wanted to ensure she was safe and responsible.”
Mady’s interests began to flourish as she adjusted to her new home. Today she enjoys activities ranging from Pokemon to equine therapy, gymnastics, and crafting.
The family understands the significance of a support system and have worked hard to introduce Mady to their friends while also getting to know members of her community. A surprising source of support has come from Mady’s older biological siblings with whom Mady has frequent contact.
“As her parents, we’re not going anywhere,” said Brittany. “But we always want Mady to know where she came from. Those connections to her past are part of who she is.”
Ryan says adopting a child, especially a teenager, through foster care isn’t for everybody. “You have to be the type of person who can adapt to different solutions and be responsive to trauma. But it is an amazing experience to create a supportive, loving home for a child. It’s a gift.”
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