Luke's Journey to Forever: An 11-Year-Old Finds His Forever Home After 25 Foster Care Placements

An 11-year-old foster child in Arkansas has finally found his forever home after spending four years in 25 different foster care placements. The heartwarming story of Luke, along with his adoptive parents, Cassie and Bradley Kissinger, offers hope and guidance to other families considering adoption.

An 11-year-old foster child from Arkansas has overcome the challenges of living in 25 different foster homes over four years and finally found his forever home with a loving family.

Luke, now adopted by Cassie and Bradley Kissinger, joined them on "America's Newsroom" to share his remarkable journey of finding stability and belonging.

"I know that this is going to be forever… I never thought that forever was a thing anymore," Luke said, expressing his gratitude for finding a permanent home.

Cassie, who was inspired to adopt a child after growing up in a family with fostered and adopted children, said she immediately knew Luke was meant to be part of her family when she saw his Project Zero video. Project Zero is an Arkansas organization that helps waiting children find families.

Bradley, Luke's adoptive father, said he and Cassie had no doubts from the beginning that Luke would fit right in with their family, which also includes a 14-year-old girl and another 11-year-old boy.

"They're one of the best brothers and sisters I've ever had," Luke said, expressing his joy at having siblings.

The Kissingers' advice to those considering fostering or adopting a child is to "just go for it."

"It's not an easy road to be a foster parent, but it's even harder for the children," Cassie said. "They need a stable and loving home as they walk through life."

The More Than Enough dashboard provides information on the foster care situation in local communities, including the number of children awaiting adoption and in foster care placement.

"Everyone should have a family by their side when they go through life, get married, and have their own families," Cassie said. "No one should do it alone."

According to the U.S. Administration for Children & Families, 53,700 children were adopted in 2022, while 368,500 children were in foster care that same year. The number of children in foster care has been steadily declining over the past four years.

Despite the challenges, fostering and adopting children can provide lifelong rewards. Luke's story is a testament to the transformative power of finding a loving and supportive home.

Similar organizations to The C.A.L.L. in Arkansas, where Cassie Kissinger works to recruit foster and adoptive families, exist in states across the U.S., offering support and resources to those who wish to make a difference in the lives of children in need.