For some, the decision to foster doesn’t come until after they’ve started a family of their own. Caring for a child leads to the realization that there are many children in need that need someone to advocate for them. Kimberly Stark and her husband came to that conclusion after their first child. They talked about becoming licensed foster parents but had to put the idea on pause after they learned they were going to have a second child. They resumed taking classes after the birth of their second child and in March of 2019, they officially became licensed foster parents.

Fostering an Infant

After some waiting, they received their first placement of an eleven-day old boy. Although they didn’t know whether or not he would stay with them the couple’s bio children immediately bonded with him. Their innocence allowed them to accept him as a brother from the beginning. Watching the children grow and love each other reinforced the couple’s desire to expand their family.

Deciding to Adopt an Infant

Although adoption had never been a part of the family’s plan, this beautiful infant changed their mind. Only six months into the fostering process the couple knew they wanted to keep him forever. But, the couple knew that reunification is always a possibility so they didn’t get their hopes too high.

A few months passed and one thing became clear, their boy wouldn’t be going anywhere. Their foster journey finally had an end goal and the family hadn’t been happier. They moved forward with the adoption process. A little after a year of caring for the boy the day finally came. On May 27, 2020, The Stark family officially adopted their son and celebrated the growth of their family.

Foster Care Changes Lives

When Kimberly began the fostering journey she and her husband never expected to adopt. But ultimately that became the outcome. They understood that fostering isn’t a stable process and prepared for the tough times. At first, their goal only consisted of helping children in need. Their willingness to learn and adapt eventually gave them a son. After everything, they learned so much about the system and appreciated the ups and downs they went through.

Thank you Kimberly Stark for sharing how infant adoption is possible through foster care. For those who are in the process of fostering to adopt, Foster Love - Together We Rise offers free adoption day photography through our Framing Forever program. Click here for more information!