Children who’ve gone into foster care are usually not like other kids their age.
They face losses and challenges no child their age should feel, and this takes a toll on them whether it is obvious or not.
First of all, they lose their parents and their close family. Whether because of their parents passing away or because of them being considered incapable or inappropriate to take care of their children, being taken away from their biological parents results in the children losing trust in adults and feeling unsafe.
At the same time, and since foster care within a family does not last forever, they lose the sense of continuity, control, and closure.
Just like little Danielle, who was only three years old when she was taken in by the Koning family.
Sarah and Jim Koning, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, were Danielle’s foster parents for two years, until, finally, the big day came to officially adopt her.
As Sarah explained, it was really important for them to have a hearing in court that Danielle would remember forever, in order for her to feel safe, and understand that this time she had found a forever family.
So, when the caseworkers were discussing Danielle’s case, only a couple of days before the hearing, they decided to surprise her and offer her memories she will keep forever in her mind and her heart.
As Laura Mitchell, executive director for Samaritas Foster Care Program and Child and Family services, explained: “It was a special situation that really snowballed out of a request from Danielle’s caseworker, who knew Danielle loved Cinderella so much.”
Once the other caseworkers heard about the little girl’s obsession with Disney Princesses, they had an idea.
They would all appear in the courtroom being dressed up as princesses.
So, on that special day, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Elsa, and Ariel, just to name a few, accompanied by Prince Charming, the only male among them, surprised 5-year-old Danielle, who was shocked when she saw all of them entering the room.
Sarah Koning told ABC News:
“I think it’s really important to make that adoption day special for every kid in whatever capacity you can. No matter what, if kids have been bounced around a lot, it really helps them to feel the permanency and know that they’re not going anywhere now. It’s really important for kids to feel that security.”
Even the judge, Patricia Gardner, tried her best to look like Snow White on that day.
She showed Danielle the clothes she was wearing under the judge’s robe, and asked the little girl if she could recognize her. The little child immediately replied she was Snow White.
“It’s obviously a very meaningful day, a joyous occasion,” Mitchell added. “The hearing is definitely a celebration that the kids now have forever families. And it shows the love and compassion that our case workers have.”
What an amazing surprise that offered the girl closure and a beautiful memory forever.
Watch the video below to see the special adoption hearing surprise for yourself!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
