HOUSTON -
November is National Adoption Month. Right now, more than 6,000 children across the state are waiting to be adopted. Most of them are older children and siblings who want to be adopted together.
Thursday, we caught up with siblings 11-year-old Mary, 10-year-old Angel, 6-year-old Chris and 5-year-old Alex.
The visit was a rare treat for these siblings who usually only get to see each other for an hour once a month.
Mary and Alex live in one foster home, while Angel and Chris live in another. This special visit made the second this month that they have been able to spend quality time together as a family.
"It's kind of hard because I don't get to see my brothers everyday when I wake up, it's easier when I get to see them," Mary said.
Easier to deal with the harsh realities that have become her life.
"I just turned 8 when I came into foster care, that's why I'm so used to being in one home to another," she said.
Since 2006 Mary and Alex have been in 11 different foster homes and has had to switch schools just as many times.
"It's hard because once we get comfortable in one home, like right away, we have to leave," she said.
According to Child Protective Services, moving from home to home is par for the course in foster care, as a family's situation changes.
Sadly, it says Mary's story isn't unique, but shared by nearly 1,700 other children waiting in foster care right now in the Greater Houston area.
"These children daily ask why not me, why haven't I found a family, why do I have to wait," said Gwen Carter of CPS.
In just two and a half weeks Mary will turn 12 and while she should be anticipating her upcoming milestone - instead she's worrying.
"The older I get, it's gonna be harder for all of us to be adopted together," she said.
Still, she's not giving up hope that soon she and her brothers will be adopted and live forever as a family.
There are many resources available to those interested in adopting a child from the state.
There are programs available to help cover the cost of legal fees. If you are adopting a child that meets certain needs or a sibling group, there are programs to help with monthly expenses. Clickhere for more information on adopting a child.
Thursday, we caught up with siblings 11-year-old Mary, 10-year-old Angel, 6-year-old Chris and 5-year-old Alex.
The visit was a rare treat for these siblings who usually only get to see each other for an hour once a month.
Mary and Alex live in one foster home, while Angel and Chris live in another. This special visit made the second this month that they have been able to spend quality time together as a family.
"It's kind of hard because I don't get to see my brothers everyday when I wake up, it's easier when I get to see them," Mary said.
Easier to deal with the harsh realities that have become her life.
"I just turned 8 when I came into foster care, that's why I'm so used to being in one home to another," she said.
Since 2006 Mary and Alex have been in 11 different foster homes and has had to switch schools just as many times.
"It's hard because once we get comfortable in one home, like right away, we have to leave," she said.
According to Child Protective Services, moving from home to home is par for the course in foster care, as a family's situation changes.
Sadly, it says Mary's story isn't unique, but shared by nearly 1,700 other children waiting in foster care right now in the Greater Houston area.
"These children daily ask why not me, why haven't I found a family, why do I have to wait," said Gwen Carter of CPS.
In just two and a half weeks Mary will turn 12 and while she should be anticipating her upcoming milestone - instead she's worrying.
"The older I get, it's gonna be harder for all of us to be adopted together," she said.
Still, she's not giving up hope that soon she and her brothers will be adopted and live forever as a family.
There are many resources available to those interested in adopting a child from the state.
There are programs available to help cover the cost of legal fees. If you are adopting a child that meets certain needs or a sibling group, there are programs to help with monthly expenses. Clickhere for more information on adopting a child.
