Orphan Pleaded to Be Adopted in 2013. Now He Shares ‘Trauma’ He Endured in Foster Care — and Finding Love with a Family

Orphan Davion’s Journey to Finding a Family

In a heart-wrenching plea in 2013, 13-year-old Davion Only Going captured national attention when he bravely stood in front of a church service in St. Petersburg, Florida, and publicly expressed his desire to be adopted. Born in a prison hospital and spending the majority of his childhood in foster care, Davion’s story is one of resilience and hope, ultimately leading him to find love and support within a new family unit. Now 27 years old and working as a private chef, Davion is the focus of a recently released documentary, ‘The Davion Effect’.

The documentary sheds light on Davion’s tumultuous upbringing, navigating through multiple foster and group homes where he faced various forms of abuse and overmedication in an attempt to address underlying trauma. These experiences, as depicted in the film, highlight systemic issues within the foster care system, impacting vulnerable children trying to cope with their emotions and past traumas. Davion’s story is all too familiar for many children in similar circumstances, prompting him to use his voice to advocate for change.

According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, over 368,000 children were in the U.S. foster care system on any given day in 2022, with more than 18,000 young individuals aging out of the system that same year without the necessary support to transition successfully into adulthood. Mental and behavioural health concerns remain a significant challenge for children in foster care, with the American Academy of Pediatrics highlighting the issue of overprescription of psychotropic medications among this demographic.

Despite the hardships he faced, Davion’s journey took a positive turn when his former case worker and mentor, Connie Going, eventually adopted him in 2015. Connie has been a steadfast supporter of Davion, ensuring he receives the care and guidance needed to thrive. Together, they share a mission to prevent other children from aging out of the system without a stable support network. Connie’s advocacy work complements Davion’s own efforts to raise awareness and create a better future for those still navigating the complexities of the foster care system.

Reflecting on the pivotal moment when he asked for adoption in front of hundreds of parishioners, Davion acknowledges the overwhelming response he received, leading to a new chapter in his life with an adoptive family in Ohio. Although the initial adoption did not work out as intended, Davion holds no bitterness towards the family involved, recognising the love they shared during his time with them. These experiences have shaped Davion’s perspectives on forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.

Now an integral part of the Going family, alongside Connie’s three biological children, Davion has found a sense of belonging and unconditional love. His passion for culinary arts has led him to establish his own catering company, ‘OG Kitchens’, with aspirations to mentor and empower other foster care children by imparting valuable cooking skills. Davion’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges, demonstrating the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of support in shaping one’s future.

As Davion continues to navigate his path forward, he remains grateful for the opportunities that have come his way and the unwavering support of his adoptive family. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact that compassion and understanding can have in changing lives for the better. Moving forward, Davion remains determined to be a voice for those who may still be seeking their place in the world, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive foster care system for all children in need.