TYLER, Texas (East Texas News) – For children entering the foster care system with siblings, there is an expectation of being adopted as a unit. When that doesn’t happen, it’s a devastating blow to an already challenging journey for these waiting kids.
In the days leading up to our interview with Evelio, an 11-year-old, he learned that his sisters had found a “permanent home.” But he wouldn’t be going with them.
“I am separated from them and I can’t… I feel like I won’t be able to see them anymore,” Evelio told us as he was still processing the news. In short, his sisters are his world.
“Happy. That’s what makes me happy. Going places with my sisters and all of that. I get really happy.”
Evelio is described by his social workers as loyal and compassionate. He told us his favorite school activity is “making friends.”
“That way I can have someone to talk to at school,” Evelio explained.
In his first year of middle school, Evelio has many interests in common with other kids his age.
“When I go swimming, I feel really happy,” said Evelio. “Fishing, video games, swimming, and soccer too.”
Now, his focus remains on who will join those lifelong activities. Evelio describes his ideal home life as one that stays constant.
“To have someone who loves me and cares about me, and gets the things I need for something special… and is always there for me.”
Under Texas law, adoptive parents may choose to adopt individual siblings. There are a number of circumstances surrounding this decision. Most often, the youngest of them is the child who remains in care.
For more information about Evelio, click here, to view his profile and the social worker’s contact information on the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange. TARA ID: 95446
