A Family Becomes Whole Through Adoption | Hillsides

A Family Becomes Whole Through Adoption

Oscar Ventura-Castillo had a beautiful wife, a healthy and happy young son, a good job, and a nice home. He had always told himself that when he became successful, he would help others. He and his wife Monica decided the best way to give back was to become resource (foster) parents. He contacted Hillsides’ affiliate, Bienvenidos, which runs a foster care and adoption program, and the couple became licensed resource parents.

After fostering several children, three-week-old Mia came into their lives. They named her Mia because Monica is originally from Colombia and “mia” means “mine” in Spanish. “Already, we felt she was a part of us,” said Oscar.

Months went by, and Mia turned one. “She had me completely wrapped around her finger,” he said. He and Monica couldn’t bear the thought of giving her up, and, Mia was available for adoption. However, there was one glitch: Oscar, 53, felt he was too old to adopt a baby. However, his attachment to Mia won out, and the couple started the adoption process.

The adoption procedure can take time, and two years passed before Mia become an official member of the family. “On the day, I broke into tears, thinking about how privileged we were to bring our story to a happy and beautiful end,” said Oscar. “I can only compare it to the day our son was born. Our family is now complete.”

 

We provide home-based family care (formerly known as foster care) to help children and youth heal from the effects of trauma. Included in the home-based care are treatment and adoption services for children and youth ranging from newborn to 21 years old. >
Our centers offer numerous community-based programs and services that provide parenting classes, mental health support, and additional crucial resources for vulnerable children and families throughout Los Angeles County, including the San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena. >
We offer comprehensive family support and individual mental health treatment for children and adolescents, ages 6 to 17. This program includes a Residential Treatment Center (RTC), a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), as well as coordinated family and aftercare programming. >
Youth Moving On, with support from The Everychild Foundation, provides former foster youth affordable quality housing and numerous support services to help them become responsible, self-sufficient adults. >

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