May marks Adoption Awareness month, and Barbara Brischetto with the Bandera County Child Welfare Board could think of no better family to highlight this month than the English family.
Caitlyn and Josh English just recently celebrated their one-year adoption anniversary for their three children – each child from the same biological family.
“Josh and I wanted to have children,” Caitlyn said. “We originally planned for two biological children and then we wanted to adopt one child. But we ran into difficulties having biological children. We tried for years before we found a Christian- based adoption agency we liked.”
But fostering brought forth some other concerns for the English family.
“In 2021, we became officially licensed foster parents and took in a baby girl,” Caitlyn said. “The mom was a teen mom going through her own challenges and went to get treatment. After she recovered, the baby girl went back with her mom. That was tough, it really hurt us to give her back, but that was what was best for her. So, Josh and I took a few months off and traveled. Then we were contacted in August to take in a baby boy.”
This would become the start of a new adventure Caitlyn and Josh did not see coming.
“At most, we expected to take in two fosters, but we discovered that our baby boy had two siblings in the foster care system too,” Caitlyn said. “So, in October, we brought them home too.”
The English house was suddenly full, but Caitlyn and Josh did not feel in any way overwhelmed.
“There are so many resources out there to help foster families,” Caitlyn said. “It’s perfectly okay to look for support. The community hosts so many events and churches are always looking to provide support. We had a church that brought us homecooked meals once a week and would even help with mowing the yard and cleaning our house. That helped us so much, being that Josh and I are full-time workers.”
There are also financial resources for those looking to adopt. Monthly stipends are provided by the state, though the amount varies from case to case. Children with medical conditions or mental disabilities are often provided with more financial resources.
“Our children came to us with extreme cases of ADHD,” Caitlyn said. “We were able to get them into therapy right away because siblings in the foster care system qualify for Medicaid and can keep it until they are 18 years old. The state also helps them with college tuition. Through the therapy they were able to receive, they are now thriving in the school system. My oldest is in gifted and talented classes.”
When asked to provide any advice for families considering adoption, Caitlyn didn’t hesitate.
“Have patience and understanding,” she said. “Push for the best outcome for the kids. It’s all totally worth it.”
Never once has the English family regretted their decision to adopt.
“They are the most amazing, handsome boys we could have ever hoped for,” Caitlyn said. “And yes, I’m sure I’m biased, but these boys are everything.”
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about adoption or becoming foster parents, visit banderacountyconnect.org and find a facility near you.
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