The Unlikely Journey - Adoption Story

The day started out just like any other work day except, it was Saturday, a day that most people who work a normal/traditional schedule of 9:00am - 5:00pm would not be working. The temperature was warm and sunny with a slight breeze. I had to drive from Cleveland to Massillon, Ohio and Canton, Ohio to transport Jeramy and Jessie back to Cleveland to participate in a panel discussion about Why Families should consider fostering or adopting older Children (10-17 years). As we drove back to Cleveland we talked about typical things that most teens like to talk about. What new music CD’s are hot? Did they talk on the phone to a certain female? As we traveled down 77 north heading to our destination Jeramy and Jessie began to get somewhat anxious about the event they had volunteered to participate in. I gave them as much information as I knew about the event to help ease their fear. We all were under the impression that the event was about teens developing programs, planning activities and events that would be beneficial to youth who are in placement and/or care. They both knew they had the opportunity to have some fun and to do something very beneficial.

When we arrived at CCDCFS at 1:10pm due to traffic congestion and the dreaded orange barrels on I- 77 north we were tired yet ready to participate. We were ushered into a room on the third floor that was filled with adults who were young, old, single, married, divorced, black, white and open to considering older youth as an option for a placement. As Jeramy and Jessie took their respective places on the panel I was briefed about the event and what to expect from one of the social worker’s who worked in the independent living program. The event was sponsored by the Independent living unit to recruit, train, educate and empower prospective adoptive and foster parents. There were six teen panel members who ranged in age from 15- 17 years who have been in permanent custody a minimum of five years or longer. The five males and one female explained, answered, and talked about their individual and collective experiences in the child welfare system.

As I listened to all the young men and the young woman field questions from the audience with the ability of a seasoned veteran on the Indians baseball team, I knew they had won all their detractors over. Jessie was extremely candid, informative and articulate as he spoke about his past, present and future. He was truly a young man in training! I was very proud like a father watching his son play sports on his first ball team, he has skills and talents.

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