This winter, AdoptUSKids is excited to share stories from young people who have experienced foster care and their adoptive families.
These profiles highlight the real-life experiences, challenges, and joys that come with the adoptive journey. First up, meet mom and daughter—Sahra and Shania—who share some reflections of hope and connection.
Sahra and Shania reflect on their journey
“I know I’ve been through the trainings, but now here’s the real part,” Sahra remembers thinking as she waited for the first young person who would come to stay with her. Nervous and unsure what to expect, she didn’t yet know that a temporary plan would become a lasting bond.
“But as soon as I saw her, my spirit lit up,” Sahra says.
At the time, Shania was 12 and felt like this might be just like her other placements – brief. Looking back, she smiles. “I was just thinking, ‘Well hopefully they don’t kick me out.’”
Rather than receiving a long list of rules, Shania was met with a calm presence and a listening ear. Soon, she found herself on the couch sharing her story. “It seemed like we already knew each other,” Shania says.
“I think you can prepare all…the physical aspects and things like that. It’s really the emotional piece that you have to focus on,” Sahra says. Her advice is simple: don’t take things personally, meet children where they are, and give it time.
Sahra speaks openly about the highs and lows of the journey. “It’s not gonna be a perfect situation,” she says. It’s important to seek support, especially when plans change. Resources are available to help along the foster and adoptive journey.
Shania encourages young people to be themselves from the start and to remain open-minded as relationships grow. As challenging as the process can be, she now knows that things have a way of working out. She leaves families with this reminder, “When you feel like things are going bad, something good is coming.”
Watch the full PSA video featuring all three families
Learn more
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