The Wilkinson Family

We had unexplained infertility, and wanted to be more than a couple, we wanted to be a family. We had looked into international adoption, but the fees, uncertainty, and the desire to help children in our own community, led us to an orientation through the state of Nevada. Each class was informative, scary, and made us wonder if we could or should commit. We had 2 classes left when one of the social worker trainers called us at home and told us about the 3 girls. Tyler joined our clan a few months after our adoption of the girls was finalized.

After 8 years, we are really feeling connected as a family. We have Wilkinisms – lots of language and dancing! Every night at dinner we go around and say what made us happy. I didn’t realize how much my kids would miss someone they didn’t know. They grieve and worry. I hate that pain for them.

April leads a teen adoption group that has helped more than any kind of therapy. We also use her book she wrote in the 4th grade about being an older foster/adopted child - great insight and really helps our parents understand what these kids go through. We both train foster and adoptive parents for the state of Nevada and belong to a family/teen adoption group through Nevada’s Children’s Center.

• Covington and Allen Family
• Sharper Family
• Appleby Family
•  
• More Family Stories

If you have a foster or adoption story to share, please email it to family@adoptuskids.org. We will review your story and contact you if we have questions and would like to share your story on the website. Please include your first and last name, phone number and best time to reach you.

AdoptUsKids is dedicated to increasing the public awareness of foster care and adoption. As a “real” adoptive or foster family, you are an important part of our national media outreach. If you are asked to participate in an interview, please don't be intimidated; sharing your story can make such a difference! We have developed the Media Guide for Families (PDF 1.6 MB/21 pages) to assist you. It provides tips and facts about AdoptUsKids. Thanks for your willingness to help!