A Journey to Forever: Addison’s Adoption Story

When Addison* entered kinship care through our San Francisco office, her life was marked by uncertainty and pain. After enduring severe neglect from her mother, she found herself living with her aunt and uncle, Joanne* and Robert*, along with their young daughter, Katie*. While the move provided safety, the road ahead was anything but easy.

At just nine years old, Addison faced significant challenges. She struggled with emotional dysregulation, PTSD, and frequent outbursts, often feeling lost in a world that didn’t feel secure. The family began individual and group therapy via Zoom due to the pandemic, but tensions ran high. Robert, struggling with his own feelings of resentment, was initially uninvolved in Addison’s life and reluctant to participate in therapy.

Two years into placement, the family faced another hurdle. Joanne, overwhelmed by depression, needed inpatient treatment, leaving Robert as the primary caregiver for both Addison and Katie. What could have been a breaking point instead became a turning point. With Joanne’s absence, Robert stepped up in ways no one anticipated. He began attending family therapy and took an active role in Addison’s care, confronting his own past traumas along the way. Over time, these efforts transformed the family. With therapy and support, Robert and Joanne rebuilt their bond with Addison, creating a stronger and more unified family dynamic.

In 2024, after years of dedication and growth, Joanne and Robert officially adopted Addison, solidifying their commitment to her as a permanent member of their family. While life isn’t without its challenges, the family now has the tools to navigate even the toughest times together.

Addison’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of healing. Thanks to the unwavering support of our AFS team and the family’s hard work, Addison has found her forever home—a place where she is valued, supported, and loved.

Addison’s journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of healing. Thanks to the unwavering support of our AFS team and the family’s hard work, Addison has found her forever home—a place where she is valued,
supported, and loved.

* ​Names changed to protect identities.