A Common Bond - Adoption Story
This adoption story begins when Carol
and her 7 year old daughter were introduced to
16 year old Ashley for the very first time on a
cloudy, cold, drizzly spring afternoon in the stalls
of a horse barn. Even though the weather seemed
dull, the mood inside this barn felt remarkably
warm and welcoming. Carol was a single parent who
opened her home to rescued animals. Ashley was
a child growing up in the foster care system who
also loved caring for animals. On that cold spring
afternoon, three strangers met. The experience
ended up changing all of their lives.
Carol invited Ashley to visit again
and Ashley eagerly agreed. Their visits continued
and became regular and frequent. Carol, her daughter
and Ashley spent a great deal of time together
as they tended to the animals in the barn. Professionals
who had been working with Ashley at the residential
treatment center noticed a remarkable change in
her. At the same time, Carol’s daughter grew
very fond of Ashley and asked her mom if Ashley
could live with them forever. Carol was a single
working parent who had never even thought of adopting,
until she got to know Ashley.
Carol and her daughter welcomed Ashley
into their family early in the summer on a bright,
sunny, warm day in June. They met by chance and
became a family by choice. Carol can’t imagine
life without Ashley. Her daughter has gained a
big sister. Ashley has a permanent family who loves
her and will continue to encourage her to follow
her dreams and her love for animals.
Ashley was one of many foster children
referred to A Child’s Waiting as part of
the Child Centered Recruitment Grant project through
Adopt Cuyahoga’s Kids. She had been in the
system for over one year without an identified
adoptive family to call her own. For children such
as Ashley, adoption costs are paid by the government.
A monthly, tax-exempt subsidy check is provided
for Ashley’s care until she reaches 18 years
of age. Adoptive parents are reimbursed for adoption-related
expenses incurred and they are eligible to claim
a significant income tax credit for the year in
which the adoption is finalized in court. There
are many children in the foster care system like
Ashley who want to be adopted too. |
