Mariah,age 9, was adopted at age 5 after being in foster care. Birth–mom had a history of drug and alcohol misuse and was briefly incarcerated when Mariah was 6 months old, placing Mariah in the foster care system.

This is what Mariah has to say about her adoption (due to neglect and abandonment): “I didn’t want a new family at first. I thought I was gonna get hurt again. Now I feel safe and I’m done with my bad feelings.”

Michelle is age 4 and newly adopted (3/30/05) after being in foster care. Prior to her placement into the foster care system, Michelle lived with multiple families at birth–mom’s request. Birth–mom had a history of alcohol misuse and domestic violence. She was briefly incarcerated just days after Michelle’s birth.

This is what Michelle has to say about her adoption; “I wanna keep dis family. Nobody won’t hurt me no more. Somebody hurt me in da udder family. Dey hit me wit a broom or a stick or sumpin like dat.”