Youth and Family Voices

Child welfare professionals can be a champion for youth and help them dream big about what they want for their lives by listening to and learning from them. The stories on this page provide an opportunity to hear directly from youth and adoptive families about the importance of listening to youth voices and the impact of building a relationship based on mutual trust can have on a young person’s life.

Use these stories as you discuss permanency planning with youth. Sometimes it is more impactful for youth to learn about permanency from those who have navigated the path.

Narratives

• Mark's Story

  

  Learn about how a single father of five boys embraced adoption, welcoming two teenage sisters into his family with unwavering commitment and love.

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• Josyln and Jeremey's Story

  

  With a deep commitment to older youth, this Florida couple adopted a teen and later a sibling pair—redefining family and embracing the unexpected with open hearts.

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• Melissa's Story

  

  A seasoned foster mom who once feared parenting teens now champions their strengths, having adopted three children and welcomed many more into her home.

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• Jodi and Golden's Story

  

  After opening their hearts and home to six siblings from foster care, this couple embraced the joy and challenges of building a forever family—one filled with love, commitment, and connection.

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• Victor's Story

  

  After years in foster care, Victor found his forever family at age 12—joining his sister and embracing a new beginning filled with love, belonging, and advocacy.

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