Adoption Fund for Mendez Family

Hi all, you may know Katie and Ben Mendez and their beautiful family/crew. They are in the process of becoming the boys’ forever family and many obstacles have made that process long, challenging, and expensive. Some of you know that the foster care/adoption process is emotionally, mentally, physically and financially draining. Attorneys specializing in foster adoption are working hard to help them, however, the financial burden is heavy.

As their friends I wanted to set up this account to support them a bit more. I know Katie and Ben would be eternally grateful if you could help make this burden a little lighter. They don't like asking for help, but sometimes loving people need a little help now and then. If you are willing and able, please consider giving to our dear friends. Even if it’s just a small amount, every little bit truly helps. Below is a little bit of their story from Ben and Katie.

Please pray for them and their journey.

As most of you know, we have had the privilege of being foster parents to the sweetest boys for the past few years. Almost 2 years ago, the case changed and we were asked to adopt the boys. We were honored to step into this role…we love these boys more than the world and couldn’t wait to say they would be a part of our family forever.

What started off as a ‘short process’ of paperwork, signatures, and logistics…has quickly turned into a dragged out, long 2 years of backwards progress. The political pressure being put on DCS to reunify families rather than pursue adoption has kept kids in the system for years longer than necessary, disrupted planned adoptions, and caused extreme amounts of trauma for kids. We are now feeling this pressure – the red tape, political hurdles, and several dropped balls at the hands of the court system and DCS – now have us walking through a nightmare.

At this time, the court has ruled that we are only able to adopt Henry while Zae’s adoption is on pause with risk of turning back to reunification. Our ‘cut&dry’ case has turned into an awful situation at Zae’s expense. Without oversharing too many details of Zae’s personal life, right as we filed for adoption, a family member popped up and now wants custody of Zae (of which has not been involved in his life before the past few months). Zae has been in foster care for his entire life - 4 years. 4 years of not having permanency or a forever home. Needless to say, we are devastated that his years of being in foster care will continue on while DCS entertains the idea of this family member having custody.

Because of the political status of the court system and DCS, there is a high probability that we could lose the ability to adopt Zae unless we go around DCS and make it happen another way. Our highest chance of being able to adopt him is by going through what is called a ‘contested adoption’. This means that our case would be heard in a civil court (outside of DCS family court) and a judge would make a ruling based on a different set of regulations and guidelines.

In a contested adoption, the attorney fees rise exponentially. We can no longer do this without the support of our families, friends, and community.

Above all, your prayers are the most important to us right now. Please continue praying for our family, the court system, and everyone involved.