Hoping to build upon the wonderful family experience they already had, Alene and Melissa Campbell–Langdell began their journey of planning to adopt. Early on in the process, infant adoption seemed the perfect option for them; but as they continued their research, they learned that over 62,000 children are currently waiting in the foster care system to find forever homes. Instead of adopting an infant, they decided they wanted “to help children who wouldn’t otherwise get chosen” and applied to the county to be foster parents. This began gradual and methodical process that culminated in them finally being matched to Genesis. Following this match, the Campbell-Langdells and Genesis started meeting with one another to get to know each other better.
The first visit with Genesis was brief, followed by the next visit consisting of a one-day activity. Eventually, they all became comfortable with an overnight visit, which helped the Campbell-Langdells and Genesis envision what their lives would be like as a permanent family. Gradually, their visits together became weekend stays and weekend stays turned into week-long stays. With time, as it began to feel even more natural, Genesis decided to formally join the Campbell-Langdell family and move forward with adoptive placement. Together, over the course of the next year, a mutual decision was made to become a forever family. The Campbell-Langdells are grateful to have had HFS Adoption and Foster Care as a resource as they navigated through the sometimes bumpy waters of the Fost-Adopt program—and even more grateful they found their daughter, Genesis.
