Meet the Svec Adoptive Family
‘‘Adopting gave us two of life’s most beautiful girls’’
Sarah and John Svec became foster parents when they learned that a relative’s child needed a secure home temporarily. Going through the foster care licensing process with the Department of Social Services opened their eyes to the many children in need of homes. The Svecs soon realized that even with three active children of their own, they still had abundant time, resources, and love to share.
With the full encouragement of their three youngsters, Dylan, Sophie, and Audrey, Sarah and John opened their home to foster children. They have recently adopted a sister and brother for whom they had been caring. These newest family members are Sayla, now age 3, and Sebastian, age 2. Sayla was placed with the Svecs as a 6-month-old, and she was 2 years old when her adoption was completed. The Svecs found out that Sayla’s birth mother was expecting again the same day they learned that she wanted them to adopt Sayla. Little brother Sebastian came to their home as a newborn. He was 7 months old at the time of his adoption.
The original Svec son and daughters help to nurture these younger siblings, but of course they are also involved in their own peer groups and interests. Dylan is a “typical teen” who enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and running track. Sophie likes to try new things and “gives her best” all the time. Audrey, who started Kindergarten this fall, is enjoying her new found independence.
The Svecs are all smitten by Sayla and Sebastian’s engaging personalities. Mom describes Sayla as “a spunky and determined little girl who does not give up when attempting anything.” She says of Sebastian, “His charisma is evident, even at age 2.” The family knows that Sebastian can “get away with almost anything” when he giggles and flashes his dimples.
Adoption has brought Sarah and John experiences with raising children of different ethnicity (their youngest two are Hispanic); as well as children with delays or disabilities. Mom explains, “Sayla had unknown delays at the time she was placed with us. She has language delays and sensory processing deficits. Sebastian has not been diagnosed with any special needs.”
The Svecs say they are fortunate to have received post adoption services through Parsons. They have regular “check-ins” with staff, and they partake of various support groups and trainings. The family also appreciates the support they have found in their community of friends and neighbors. “We have been offered delivery of meals, gift cards, helping hands, and shoulders to cry on.”
The Svecs respectfully ask policymakers to make the adoption process more expedient. Even though their children’s birth mother voluntarily relinquished her rights and requested the Svecs to become the legal parents, it still took one year. They are now working on an adoption from another state, experiencing frustrating delays with the ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.)
Reflecting upon the family’s journey, Sarah says, “Adopting gave us two of life's most beautiful gifts.”
