Redwood City – Just a few years ago, Kaloma and Larin Smith made a life-changing decision: they brought little Henry into their home as a foster youth.
“By the time they said, ‘Do you want to move from a foster family to an adoptive family,’ We were like, ‘We can’t imagine our home without him,’” said Kaloma Smith, a pastor at a local church.
Today, Henry is a playful 5-year-old who likes to sit in his dad’s lap and dig holes on the beach. His brother, 16-month-old Avery sporting a toothy smile, has now joined the family.
“It was so heartwarming and beautiful to know that Avery and Henry will have each other forever,” said Larin Smith, associate director of major gifts at Stanford University School of Business. “Henry and Avery mean the world to us.”
Across the United States, about 368,000 children are dependent on the foster care system, having been temporarily or permanently removed from their biological families, according to the latest government figures.
That tally is two names shorter with the formal adoptions of Henry and Avery by the Smiths. The couple, with their two boys squirming by them, were honored Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.
“Each child and youth deserves a loving and nurturing and permanent home,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who sponsored a resolution proclaiming November as Adoption Awareness Month.
“Adoptive families provide supportive environments and lifelong connections for children in foster care. Children waiting for adoption placements and the families who embrace them deserve our recognition and unwavering support,” Corzo said.
Adoption Awareness Month is an opportunity “to shine a light on the courageous children who are still waiting for their forever homes.”
As a full-service adoption agency, the County’s Human Services Agency completed 31 adoptions since January 2023, said John Fong, director of Children and Family Services.
“That's 31 children who not only are not going to grow up in the foster care system, but rather with loving homes they get to call their own,” Fong said.
At Tuesday’s Board meeting, Avery touched his mother’s cheek and patted her on the shoulder as Henry swooshed his arms back and forth on a table. Henry held the proclamation for a photo op (with a little help from his dad) while mom held Avery.
“One of the greatest gifts that we've ever received is the honor and privilege to be part of their story,” Kaloma Smith said. “I think as an adoptive parent, it's not as if you're doing anyone a favor, but you're just continuing to be part of an amazing story of amazing children.”
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To learn more about why you should become a resource family for kids in San Mateo County please visit us at www.helpsanmateokids.com.
