A Valentine's Day Adoption

Kasen came into foster care when he was six years old. He and his mother were staying at a shelter when she became aggressive and started physically assaulting the other residents. When police came, she used Kasen as a shield to avoid being handcuffed. Kasen was placed in a foster home because there were no relatives to place him with at the time.

When he was first placed in the foster home, Kasen had mild behavioral issues but was a sweet, polite kid who was “a delight to have.” Shortly after, Kasen was assigned an advocate, Stacy, who would be with him throughout his case and help ensure he found a safe, loving home. Stacy formed a very special relationship with Kasen. She would visit him frequently, usually several times throughout the month. They loved doing activities together, like riding bikes, playing card games, playing lacrosse and doing arts and crafts. Stacy described Kasen as a “wonderfully social, athletic and smart boy.” She was proactive and involved in Kasen’s life, constantly checking in with his foster mom, biological parents, caseworker, teacher and therapist.

Before coming into care, Kasen lived in an unstable environment, often moving and bouncing around from place to place with his mother—they never stayed in one place for too long. It wasn’t until he came into foster care that he consistently went to school. As a first grader, Kasen could not read or write and was behind academically. Still, he made great strides in school and became an excellent student who loved learning.

Once Kasen came into foster care, his mother moved back to Mississippi, where Kasen’s father also lived. His mother had a CPS history, long-term drug abuse, mental health issues, as well as criminal history. She had six other children, none of whom were still in her custody or care. His father also had a CPS history, long-term drug abuse and a criminal history. They were each given a Family Plan of Service, which they would have to complete to get Kasen back in their care. The father showed up for virtual visits with Kasen but did not work his services. The mother was slow to start her services, but about eight months into the case, she moved back to Houston to be closer to Kasen and focus on her plan. She stayed at a shelter, and started submitting to drug tests. She was more engaged in her visits, worked her services, had a job and took classes for a job certification. The mother was doing well for about four months and looked to be on a good path. Then she returned to Mississippi, started using drugs again, and had another criminal charge against her.

Throughout the case, multiple relative options were considered for Kasen’s long-term placement. The most promising option was with a maternal uncle and his family in Illinois. Kasen lived with this family for a few weeks, but it was not a good fit. Kasen was moved back to Houston with no other relative options, so they started looking into non-relative adoption options.

Stacy was influential in practically every aspect of the case, but she was especially influential in finding a family to adopt Kasen. This couple had been married for 15 years, had three adult children and always wanted to adopt a child. They started spending time with Kasen and quickly recognized that he was a special boy. Kasen began opening up to this couple in a way he had never done with anyone else. He shared with them what it was like when he was younger and the trauma he experienced. He felt safe with them. Even before living with them, Kasen started calling them his “parents” and enjoyed their time together.

Both of Kasen’s biological parents’ rights were terminated, and DFPS was named the Permanent Managing Conservator (PMC). At this time, Kasen moved in with the couple, who would have to foster him for six months before adopting him. After having Kasen live with them for a while, they said he was even more special than they had thought. The transition was not without hiccups, but the couple was very nurturing and patient. Kasen disclosed to them that he experienced more abuse beyond what was initially reported in his early years of life. The couple was heartbroken to hear the weight of what he experienced but were grateful that Kasen felt safe enough in their home to share these traumatic experiences. They helped him get the resources he needed to work through and heal from this trauma.

After being in foster care for three years, Kasen was adopted and found his new forever home on February 14, exactly one year after first meeting his adoptive parents. They celebrated with heart-shaped donuts! His advocate, Stacy, was there through all the ups and downs throughout his time in care. She advocated for Kasen every step of the way until he found a safe, loving home.

*Names were changed to protect the identity of children we help.