Brooklyn Park Mom Shares Adoption Story
The Minnesota Department of Human Services says 820 children in Minnesota are in need of homes.
One woman from Brooklyn Park named Carol Ryan has been a foster mom for 20 years. During her time as a foster mom she adopted five children.
“They bring something special to your life,” says Carol Ryan. “It’s the hardest thing, but it’s also the most joyful thing anyone could ever do.
While her family might be different to some, she can’t see her family any other way.
“Our family might be different but they know they can count on each other,” says Carol. “They also know they can count on me.”
That dependability is what professionals say children need the most in an adoptive family.
“There is so much that a child goes through when they are in foster care” says Nikki Farago with the Mn. Department of Human Services. “The ability for a family to provide a stable, loving and safe home everyday is so important for their well being.”
On Sunday families with adoptive children were able to connect at the 21st annual Circus of the Heart. The gathering allows families to bond with each other over their similar situations. The event also provides resources for potential adopters.
“Anyone can be an adoptive parent,” added Faargo. “I think it’s a myth that you have to be married or wealthy or a home owner to be an adoptive parent. We just need loving people that are willing to open up their arms and their hearts to these kids.”
Sometimes being a foster parent is temporary, and children are able to be reconnect with their birth parents. Parents that have adopted children hope they can get rid of the negative stereotypes.
“Something that I don’t like that I hear all the time, is that the biological parents are bad,” says Carol Ryan. “That’s not always the case. My 18 year old just reconnected with his bio family and it’s been wonderful.”
Adoptive Families are just like everyone else
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some might think adoption could make the family dynamic difficult, but Carol’s kids disagree.
“The family I have right now is pretty normal for me,” Says Elijah Ryan one of Carols adopted sons.
“It’s really not different,” says Ciara Ryan, one of Carol’s adopted daughters. “Our parents aren’t fake, are siblings aren’t fake we are just the same as other families.”
For more information on becoming a foster parents or adopting a child click here.
