Arkansas Teen Finds Forever Home After Nearly 15 Years in Foster Care
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An Arkansas teenager’s life has been transformed after being adopted following almost 15 years in foster care. Cozy, at 19 years old, spent a remarkable 5,429 days in the foster care system, making him the individual who had waited the longest for a permanent home in the Arkansas foster care system, as reported by local news outlet KARK.com. Tim and Anna Dietrich joyfully welcomed Cozy into their family on Monday, August 25.
Anna, who works for the nonprofit Project Zero that helps match foster children with loving families, first met Cozy through the organization. She expressed that the decision to adopt Cozy was crystal clear to them and that they were meant to provide him with a home, love, and inclusion in their family. At a press conference captured by TVH 11, Anna stated, “The Lord made it very clear that we were supposed to all-out adopt him. We’re supposed to give him our name, give him our family, give him our whole hearts.” She continued, “Cozy is getting a whole crew today, and we’re so excited, and that is what we want for every single one of our waiting kids. So until there is zero, let’s start this up again tomorrow, because today we’re celebrating.”
Tim, also speaking at the press conference, highlighted that a star had become a symbol for Cozy and their bond with him. He shared how the star motif had become significant to Cozy, with the teen adorned in star-themed clothing, accessories, and toys. The couple expressed their deep connection to Cozy through this symbol and their commitment to providing him with a loving and supportive home environment.
Tiffany Wright, the director of the Division of Children and Family Services, emphasized the importance of celebrating Cozy’s adoption while staying focused on the ongoing mission of assisting other children in foster care to find permanent homes. She stressed the dedication of her team to continue the critical work of Project Zero in ensuring that every child in need finds a loving and stable family environment.
Project Zero, in a social media post on Instagram, echoed the sentiments of celebrating Cozy’s adoption while highlighting that there are still nearly 200 children and teenagers like Cozy awaiting adoption and deserving of a caring family. The organisation encouraged those touched by Cozy’s story to consider adoption and provided resources for those interested in learning more about the adoption process.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the transformative impact adoption can have on the lives of children in foster care. It showcases the power of love, commitment, and compassion in providing vulnerable youth with a sense of belonging and security. While Cozy’s adoption is a cause for celebration, it also shines a light on the ongoing need to support and advocate for all children in need of a forever home.