We are grateful to be able to share this beautiful story of resilience, partnership, and the transformative strength of love. Please read on to learn about Angels Foster Care parents, Christine and Jacob, and the inspiring example they are setting for family preservation.

Photo, from left to right: Angels Foster Care Parents, Christine and Jacob Tyler with their children; Angels child Sophia* with her father, Matthew*

Credit: Kelsey Crews Photo

Sophia’s* journey in life began with a challenging start when she was placed into foster care just four days after she was born. Sophia was detained into foster care after her mother tested positive for narcotics.

Exactly one day after the Tyler family had officially become an approved Angels resource family, they received a call from their Angels social worker telling them a newborn baby girl was in need of a loving home. They eagerly responded with a “yes” and Sophia arrived at their home just hours later. This was the beginning of a heartfelt story filled with love, challenges, and countless precious moments that would shape their lives forever.

During her first few months of placement, Sophia’s mother and father made efforts to overcome the barriers to parenting her. Sadly, it eventually became clear that Sophia’s mom was not in a position to care for her. Conversely, Sophia’s father, Matthew*, was making tremendous progress, and it was at this point that the focus shifted to Matthew reunifying with Sophia, as he was determined to be a present father and obtain a different outcome. In fact, once Matthew found out Sophia’s mother was pregnant, he immediately stepped into a recovery program and started taking the necessary steps to prepare for the arrival of his baby girl. Suffice it to say, Matthew was fiercely motivated to do whatever was needed to be the best father for Sophia.

Christine, Jacob, and their young daughters spent the next year loving and caring for Sophia. Throughout their fostering experience, they appreciated the intensive support they received from their Angels Foster Care social workers every step of the way. No matter what they needed, whether it was questions they had about the court hearings or guidance on navigating Sophia's developmental journey, their Angels Foster Care social workers were there, offering consistent assistance and expertise. From the smallest concerns to the most daunting challenges, Christine, Jacob, and their daughters felt embraced by a network of support that enabled them to provide Sophia with the stability and love she deserved.

Meanwhile, Matthew was working hard to make sure that he could provide for little Sophia. He secured stable employment and found safe housing for himself and his daughter. As Matthew made significant strides towards reunification, he, alongside Christine and Jacob, recognized that forging a partnership among themselves would best serve Sophia, fostering her ongoing growth and development. Matthew even invited Christine to attend church with him, and Christine gladly accepted the invitation. Christine and Jacob loved Sophia, and they wanted to be sure that Sophia and Matthew had the support they needed.

Eventually, the judge decided that Matthew could regain custody of his daughter. Despite the possibility of a bittersweet goodbye, the Tylers fully supported Sophia’s reunification with her father. The Tyler’s explained that reunification didn’t mean losing Sophia, but instead meant they were gaining both she and Matthew. Reunification is the ultimate goal of any family involved in the foster care system. Although reunification may not always happen, it is stories like Sophia’s and Matthew’s that remind us of what’s possible.

Matthew and Sophia are now living together, and the Tyler family has remained an integral part of Sophia’s and Matthew’s lives, babysitting Sophia regularly and maintaining a close relationship with Matthew. It is a win-win situation because Christine, Jacob, and their daughters look forward to spending time with Sophia, and Matthew is grateful for the support.

Matthew has continued to work hard, securing an apprenticeship program in construction, and moving into a new home. Sophia, now enrolled in a daycare program at their local church, is flourishing under the care of her loving father and the supportive community around them.

Sophia’s and Matthew’s journey is proof of the power that resource (aka foster) parents and first family partnerships can have. When the partnership between a first family and resource family is strong, parents can take the necessary steps to create a safe, stable environment for their children, while resource families provide invaluable support and care, enriching the lives of both the children and their first families.

Many studies show that when children are able to safely reunify with their parents, this leads to increased stability among families, less stress, and positive development for children. It means better overall outcomes for families and sustainable improvements for parents. While reunification is not always an option, it continues to be the star to which we hitch our wagons.

*Please note names have been changed due to confidentiality