Give Baby C. a Forever Family
Donation protected
At just five months old, Baby C. was rescued by Illinois authorities from a home where hazardous chemicals were being used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine. Baby C.'s birth parents were arrested.
Health care workers who examined Baby C. found signs of neglect and possible exposure to methamphetamine and the chemicals used in its manufacture. Baby C. was found to be suffering from a motor skills delay and a flattened skull, possibly as a consequence of being left for unhealthy periods of time in a bouncer seat or crib. They also discovered that he had a minor birth defect: webbed toes.
With no one to care for Baby C., he was about to be sent into state custody. But a friend of the baby's extended family intervened. She knew a couple just across the river in Missouri who could give a safe and welcoming home to Baby C.: Amber and Stephen McCoy.
After years of struggling with infertility, the McCoys decided a few years ago to open their home and their hearts to a child through adoption. Amber, a certified behavioral therapist who works with adults and children with special needs, and Stephen, a medicolegal death investigator, applied for certification as potential adoptive parents and qualified quickly. Just months after they began the adoption process, they were delighted to discover that a local pregnant mother wanted them to adopt her child. They brought their beloved son home in April of 2012. But after nearly a month as happy new parents, they were informed by social workers that their son's birth mother had changed her mind and wanted to raise the child herself.
They had to say goodbye.
After losing their first child, the McCoys sought out certification as foster parents for the state of Missouri. While they were waiting to create a forever family, they hoped they would at least be able to open their home as a refuge for children in need.
When they heard about Baby C. they were thrilled to accept him into their family. But there was a hitch: they were certified to foster children in Missouri, but Baby C. had been born in Illinois. The McCoys could not technically become his legal foster parents without going through a lengthy process of Illinois certification. To prevent Baby C. from going into state custody, Baby C.'s birth mother signed paperwork allowing a court to grant the McCoy's full legal custody. While the McCoys now have custody of Baby C., they are not yet officially legally his parents.
Since the McCoys took him in, Baby C. has been thriving. After six months under their care, his health has improved and he has started to overcome his motor skills delay. And he has been introduced to a happy and loving extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who love and accept him as one of their own.
Recently, Amber and Stephen learned that Baby C's birth mother will be going to prison for several years on drug-related charges. To make sure that Baby C. stays in a safe and stable home FOR LIFE, the McCoys would like to officially adopt him. But because Baby C. was born in another state, the legal process is more complicated than a standard foster-to-adoption. They will have to deal with legal proceedings in courts in two different states.
As of December 2014 they have already spent nearly $10,000 of their own money in legal fees to establish themselves as Baby C.'s guardians and investigate their options for more permanent custody. They have been told their total legal fees for this adoption may top $50,000. To keep Baby C. in their home, they can use any financial help you can offer. Please help Amber and Stephen give Baby C. a forever family!
Health care workers who examined Baby C. found signs of neglect and possible exposure to methamphetamine and the chemicals used in its manufacture. Baby C. was found to be suffering from a motor skills delay and a flattened skull, possibly as a consequence of being left for unhealthy periods of time in a bouncer seat or crib. They also discovered that he had a minor birth defect: webbed toes.
With no one to care for Baby C., he was about to be sent into state custody. But a friend of the baby's extended family intervened. She knew a couple just across the river in Missouri who could give a safe and welcoming home to Baby C.: Amber and Stephen McCoy.
After years of struggling with infertility, the McCoys decided a few years ago to open their home and their hearts to a child through adoption. Amber, a certified behavioral therapist who works with adults and children with special needs, and Stephen, a medicolegal death investigator, applied for certification as potential adoptive parents and qualified quickly. Just months after they began the adoption process, they were delighted to discover that a local pregnant mother wanted them to adopt her child. They brought their beloved son home in April of 2012. But after nearly a month as happy new parents, they were informed by social workers that their son's birth mother had changed her mind and wanted to raise the child herself.
They had to say goodbye.
After losing their first child, the McCoys sought out certification as foster parents for the state of Missouri. While they were waiting to create a forever family, they hoped they would at least be able to open their home as a refuge for children in need.
When they heard about Baby C. they were thrilled to accept him into their family. But there was a hitch: they were certified to foster children in Missouri, but Baby C. had been born in Illinois. The McCoys could not technically become his legal foster parents without going through a lengthy process of Illinois certification. To prevent Baby C. from going into state custody, Baby C.'s birth mother signed paperwork allowing a court to grant the McCoy's full legal custody. While the McCoys now have custody of Baby C., they are not yet officially legally his parents.
Since the McCoys took him in, Baby C. has been thriving. After six months under their care, his health has improved and he has started to overcome his motor skills delay. And he has been introduced to a happy and loving extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who love and accept him as one of their own.
Recently, Amber and Stephen learned that Baby C's birth mother will be going to prison for several years on drug-related charges. To make sure that Baby C. stays in a safe and stable home FOR LIFE, the McCoys would like to officially adopt him. But because Baby C. was born in another state, the legal process is more complicated than a standard foster-to-adoption. They will have to deal with legal proceedings in courts in two different states.
As of December 2014 they have already spent nearly $10,000 of their own money in legal fees to establish themselves as Baby C.'s guardians and investigate their options for more permanent custody. They have been told their total legal fees for this adoption may top $50,000. To keep Baby C. in their home, they can use any financial help you can offer. Please help Amber and Stephen give Baby C. a forever family!
Organizer
Jaelithe Judy
Organizer
Hazelwood, MO
