A young woman in Texas has finally found the home and love she deserves after 2,726 days in the foster care system.
KVUE regularly features children in that system as a way to let community members know they are looking for permanent families. One of those young people, 21-year-old Alizeah, was 17 years old when she first appeared on the program and had been in foster care since she was 13, the outlet reported Thursday.
She told KVUE she wanted to “feel like I’m accepted and like I’m a part of something.”
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When a couple in Houston saw her story, they knew she would be a great fit for their family.
“She’s been a joy to our family. You know, there’s ups and downs, but that makes our family stronger. I always tell her, ‘We are going to love you, no matter what you do. And nothing you can do about it,’” her father said.
Her family and friends attended the adoption at Burnet County Courthouse, and attorney Dori Mistic said, “God knew before you were born who your parents are and who your family is. And it doesn’t mean it’s blood, OK? And it’s these folks right here and everybody here.”
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, there are more than 3,000 children waiting to be adopted in the state.
Adoption changes lives, and positive impacts for adopted children include better health and educational performance due to being in a stable home, the American Adoptions website read.
Alizeah’s mother said she now has three brothers, is deeply loved by her family, and has even taught them things about themselves during their time together.
As for Alizeah, she wants other young people waiting to find their forever homes to know they should “never give up, ever.”
“Even when you’re on your last straw, don’t do it. That’s what I did, I was gonna give up, and it happened for me. And don’t push away your blessings. And whatever is meant for you will still come because I pushed them away multiple times, and they still came,” she added.
