Raleigh father shares experience of fostering, adopting a child during the pandemic
While there's still a dire need for foster families during the coronavirus pandemic, there is hope that things will get better soon.
Raleigh resident Travis Holland fostered a child during the pandemic and said he originally had no intentions of adopting. He added that, while he faced challenges, nothing beats the feeling of being a dad.
“I realized with the pandemic you can still show a child love and just be safe," said Holland, who fostered and then adopted a 9-year-old boy named Donnie.
Holland fostered through Methodist Home for Children in Raleigh.
"This year, we've only done three adoptions," said Shelita Lee, Methodist Home for Children’s director of foster care and adoption. "Last year, I think we did 15 adoptions."
Holland is one of those three adoptions.
"[Donnie] asked me to adopt him right away," he recalled.
Donnie went home with Holland in September 2019. On March 26, he was no longer a foster parent – he became a dad.
Holland said the biggest struggle was transportation for his son, and he thinks it's safe to adopt and foster during the pandemic.
"I strongly suggest following CDC guidelines in the midst of that but still remain focused on the adoption and providing that love and that care," he added.
Lee says the foster agency is "in dire need of foster parents."
"This is a huge concern across the state," she added.
Lee said there's also a dire need for sibling groups and teenagers to find permanent homes, but one thing giving the agency hope is COVID-19 tests for children and vaccines.
"Our hope has not wavered ... but I think our foster parents seem to be a little more open to accepting kids in their homes are [the parents] who have received the vaccination," she said.
Holland says adopting Donnie has made his life better.
"He not only brings the life in the home for me, but it's exciting and rewarding to know that you're taking on the responsibility to provide a nurturing and safe environment for that child."
For information on fostering a child, click here.
