Saline County Family Adopts Three Siblings, Advocates for Foster Care
Corey and Jenny Key, residents of Saline County, decided to embark on a journey of fostering in 2021. This decision led them to adopt three siblings—Bray, Preston, and Sara—who were previously in foster care. The Keys’ story sheds light on the significant need for foster families and the importance of providing loving homes for children.
After initially welcoming the boys in January 2022, Sara joined the family in June of the same year. The siblings were reunited with the Keys following a setback in their reunion, and the family eventually went on to adopt them. This journey brought immense joy to the children, who felt they had finally found a real and loving family.
The Keys received assistance from the Second Chance Youth Ranch, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with the Arkansas Department of Human Services to place children in foster care with families and identify potential permanent homes. The organization receives about ten referrals daily for children seeking homes, but often has to decline them due to a lack of foster families.
The Need for Foster Families
Currently, there are over 3,000 youths in the foster care system in Arkansas alone. Organizations like the Second Chance Youth Ranch and The CALL in Arkansas aim to educate, equip, and encourage families to provide a future and hope to these children. Facilitating adoptions like the Keys’ can make a substantial difference in these children’s lives.
The Keys hope their story will inspire other families to consider fostering and adopting. They emphasize the importance of showing these children they are cherished and supported. This support can bring a sense of belonging and safety to children like Bray, Preston, and Sara.
The Impact of Foster Care
Foster care can be challenging, both for children and families. It often involves investigations, separations, and complex legal processes. Unfortunately, these systems can even lead to the removal of children from their families due to circumstances like poverty and housing instability. However, through organizations and families like the Keys, there is hope for many children to find a nurturing environment with a loving family.
Corey and Jenny Key’s experience is a beacon of light, encouraging others to step forward and support these children in need. Their story highlights the joy that can come from fostering and adopting, and the profound difference it can make in the lives of children like Bray, Preston, and Sara.
