Did you know that adopting a child does not have to be through private agencies? Many children who come into the foster care system end up needing permanent adoptive homes. Have you ever given thought to becoming a foster or adoptive parent? The process is relatively easy, and the need is significantly high. For those interested or have at least thought about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, the most significant question asked is, “Will I succeed?” The answer is, “Yes!”
The characteristics that make any family successful will also make foster care and adoptive families successful. The main component of making a family successful is meeting the child’s needs, and if you meet the child’s needs, you will succeed. Subconsciously, you would already plan on meeting a child’s needs by helping them survive. You will provide them food, water, shelter, and a bed to sleep in. You are already on the road to success!
Once a child can feel that their physiological needs are met, they think, “I can survive!” From there, they can move on to their next set of needs, which is safety. After a child feels safe, they can work on feeling loved and that they belong. Once they feel like they belong, they can work on their self-esteem. Lastly, once a child starts to feel good about themselves, they are then able to thrive.
Koinonia Family Services makes it our goal to work with families to help meet the needs of a child. It is our goal that every child succeeds in their foster care and adoptive homes. We provide 24 hours of support, 7 days a week, so that our families do not feel neglected, lost, or alone in this process.
Koinonia Family Services works from a standpoint that we are a team. We support each other and help each other, so that we can help children and families succeed. The process of foster care and adoption can be long, confusing, and scary—but it is also happy, redemptive, and rewarding. As strongly emotional as it will be for you, a child is at the center, and at the end, finds a permanent, safe, caring, stable, nurturing home.
For more information about the Koinonia Family Services Foster/Adopt program, or how to take the next step, please contact Trini Willey at 661-273-8122, or twilley@kfh.org.