Sean and Ricky were born into a household marked by physical abuse and neglect. When Sean was six and Ricky was five, they were taken into protective custody. The brothers were moved nine times during their seven years in foster care. While most kids their age were making friends, developing academically, and growing socially, Sean and Ricky were often moved from home to home with little notice. They were separated twice when the county couldn’t find a family to take them both in. 

In 2019, the county referred Sean and Ricky to Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, where they met Janelle*, who worked with youth in long-term foster care. Janelle learned what the boys liked to do, their concerns, and what they’d been through. She took the time to earn their trust. Remarkably, the boys still believed there was a family somewhere out there waiting for them.

Janelle secured the boy’s counseling and tutoring services at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. She made sure prospective adoptive families understood the brothers’ history of trauma and the need to keep them together. One family, the Walkers*, was open to these ideas. Janelle arranged for the Walkers and the boys to meet. They connected, so other meetings were arranged, each lasting a little longer. Janelle worked with the Walkers and the boys—separately and as a group—helping them understand expectations as they continued their journey together.

The Walkers adopted Sean and Ricky in 2021. Life is busy for the brothers these days. After school, their mom drives them to baseball practice and music lessons several times a week. Mr. Walker owns a landscaping business. Sometimes, the boys work with him.   Sean and Ricky also love playing video games with their friends, which they’re allowed to do after they’ve finished their homework. 

Sundays, the family goes to church, where Sean and Ricky are involved in the youth group. Later that night, they eat dinner together. Some weeknights, it’s difficult for everyone to sit down together. 
But each Sunday night, they make a point of it. They reflect on the week past and talk about the one coming up. Life’s not always easy. There are challenges. But they face them together as a family.

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​