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CELEBRATING
TOGETHER
In 2021, 1,823 children in Rhode Island were At times, they found themselves on what they
placed in foster care due to neglect, parental described as an emotional roller coaster. But, as
drug/alcohol abuse, or caretakers’ inability to Mark shares, “No matter the circumstances,
cope – PJ was one of those children. every decision we made was about PJ and
what would be best for him.”
When they met, Amanda and Mark had never
imagined they would be foster parents. But After two years of fostering PJ, in September of
one evening, at an event in Boston, they were 2022, Amanda and Mark officially adopted him.
unexpectedly captivated by a story about They knew they needed to celebrate. Yet, they
being an adoptive parent. “It was a moment still had not celebrated their own marriage
where we saw ourselves doing something we with friends and family. Like many couples
had never thought about,” shared Mark. It was planning to get married in 2020 and 2021,
COVID-19 threw a wrench into Amanda and
the opportunity to create a better tomorrow Mark’s plans.
for a child.
They had a small ceremony, hoping they would
Amanda and Mark came across Children’s find time to celebrate in the future, but life
Friend and were soon connected with Dorothy, had carried on. In October, friends, family, and
a Family Preservation Worker. Dorothy started Dorothy gathered for a celebration. It was a
Amanda and Mark along the foster parent long-awaited joining ceremony. Amanda and
journey, helping them become licensed foster Mark celebrated their union with each other
care parents. They decided to test the waters and their commitment to PJ.
by agreeing to be a respite foster. Respite
foster care parents are short-term foster care Together, they would care for him, love him
placements typically used to give another unconditionally, protect him from harm, be
foster care parent the opportunity for a break. open and honest, and be there for him for the
rest of their lives – together for tomorrow.
With 72 hours’ notice, Amanda and Mark
found themselves standing in a parking lot
holding a four-month-old baby boy, Peter
James (PJ). They would protect, love, and care
for this child as long as needed.
CHILDREN'S FRIEND ANNUAL REPORT 2022
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