This National Adoption Month, Michelle and Kris are sharing their story to inspire and guide others considering adoption—and to highlight the invaluable role Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) played in helping them grow their family.
“We did a lot of research on different types of adoption and agencies,” Michelle shared. “We wanted to find an agency that shared our values, one that catered to individuals, same-sex couples, and diverse families. FCA felt like kindred spirits. When we went in for our initial information session at FCA, within two minutes of sitting down, Kris wrote me a note that said, ‘You should work here’” Michelle laughed.
At FCA they met Audrey, who became their adoption home study coordinator and, more importantly, their guide and advocate. Audrey connected them with other families who had worked with various placement agencies, offering invaluable insight and advice. “The way she connected us with other people was so beautiful and extremely helpful,” Michelle said. “Even now, she checks in on us, and it feels like she’s part of the family.”
In early 2022, Michelle and Kris were matched with their son’s birth mother. They spent a month building their relationship and met in person the night before their son was born. Michelle and Kris held their child for the first time when he was just five hours old. Their bond with his birth family continues to this day. “We’re so lucky to have them in our lives,” Michelle said. “We visit every year for our son’s birthday to celebrate together. Our lives are forever intertwined, and it’s exactly the kind of family we wanted to create.”
Their little one, now two and a half (he insists we recognize the half!), is the light of their lives. “It’s the best thing ever—and also the most exhausting,” Kris joked. “It’s like having a tiny heart attack every second of every day. He’s always surprising us, and it’s the most amazing experience.”
Michelle and Kris have some heartfelt advice for those considering adoption:
Do your research: “You’ll be navigating a lot of policies at different agencies. Make sure you understand every word of your contracts.”
Be your own advocate: “Advocating for yourself and being genuine in your profile is so important. What’s right for one family is not necessarily right for another. Be prepared to ask yourself and anyone else involved in the process hard questions.”
Be honest: Michelle and Kris attend FCA’s annual birth parent panels, which they describe as invaluable. “Hearing birth parents’ perspectives is so important. If you’re not comfortable with something, don’t say you are.”
Embrace life-long learning: “Best practices in adoption are continually shifting and the importance of listening to adult adoptees cannot be understated.”
Lean on Your Community: Michelle and Kris are organizing a playgroup through FCA for adoptive families, ensuring their child grows up surrounded by peers who share similar experiences. “Knowing we have a community for life is a huge relief,” Kris said. “FCA is more than an agency – it’s a partnership.”
This Adoption Month, FCA celebrates families like Michelle and Kris’s and reaffirms its commitment to supporting adoptive families every step of the way. If you’re considering adoption, know that FCA is here to guide you, advocate for you, and help you create a lifelong community of support.
For more information on FCA’s adoption services, click here.
