Karrie’s Adoption

In 2023, ten-year-old “Karrie” was struggling in the pre-adoptive family where she’d lived for more than three years, and she ultimately required admission to a psychiatric hospital. With so few child psychiatric beds available statewide, Karrie was forced to wait, or “board,” in the hospital’s emergency room for several days while a bed was located for her. During this time, she asked to call “Janet,” her foster mother from several years earlier. Janet was delighted to hear from Karrie, and they enjoyed catching up.

Several days later an inpatient bed was identified for Karrie, but she was placed a few hours away from her family, friends, school, and everything familiar. Also, Karrie’s pre-adoptive family made the difficult decision that Karrie would be unable to return to their home. Karrie felt alone and isolated. Karrie spent the next several months bouncing through group homes and additional hospitalizations. Janet remained in touch, and she became Karrie’s lifeline amid the sadness and instability she was experiencing.

Recognizing the important role that Janet was playing in Karrie’s life, Bridges Homeward invited her to collaborate in making plans for Karrie. Janet began visiting with Karrie in person, and she soon let Karrie’s Adoption Social Worker know that she wanted to adopt her. Bridges Homeward began the process of formally approving Janet as an adoptive parent. 

Finally, in February of 2024 Karrie returned to Janet’s home. While everyone was excited, we prepared Janet for the possibility that the transition would be stressful for Karrie. We made referrals for several supportive services and visited the family regularly. In the coming months Janet managed the expected ups and downs, and Karrie remained stable and content. Thanks to Janet’s strong advocacy, Karrie was transferred to a new middle school that suited her needs, and she is doing better at school than ever. Karrie and Janet’s son have developed their own sibling rhythm, and Janet has reconnected Karrie with her biological grandmother. Karrie’s adoption was finalized on National Adoption Day in November of 2024. Janet has remained in touch with Bridges Homeward staff, and she was a featured speaker at the agency’s Annual Impact Event earlier this month.