In a heartwarming Christmas adoption story, a 17-year-old teenager named Roman Balassaitis found his forever family after spending time in 19 different foster homes. Roman’s emotional journey took a positive turn during the holiday season when he received a special gift that would change his life forever.
On Christmas morning 2022, Roman Balassaitis sat down to open his last Christmas present. In a home video capturing the moment, he tried hard to hold back tears, asking for a tissue as his hands visibly shook. The embroidered stocking revealed the news that Roman had been eagerly awaiting – he was being adopted by Renee and Brad Balassaitis.
Renee, 47, shared that the moment was filled with tears of joy. She expressed that all Roman had ever wanted was to find his forever family. Roman officially became a Balassaitis on October 17, the day before his 18th birthday – truly in the nick of time.
The adoption of older teenagers like Roman is crucial as they face unique challenges when aging out of the foster care system. According to Florida adoption attorney Jeanne T. Tate, the statistics for these teenagers are quite grim, with more than 60 percent of them ending up in prison after turning 18. Tate emphasized the pressing need for programs to support these young individuals beyond the age of 18.
Renee and Brad Balassaitis opened their home and hearts to Roman, along with their seven other children. They understand the importance of stable homes and emotional support for young adults. Brad stated, Even if you grow up in a stable home, it’s tough to be completely on your own at 18. So how can we expect kids with trauma to manage?
Roman’s journey with the Balassaitises began when he was 12. After being fostered by them for around nine months, Roman struggled to adapt to being part of a family due to his fear of abandonment. Heartbroken and feeling a special connection with Roman, Renee shared that she felt like she had lost her future son when he left.
Years later, Roman reached out to the Balassaitis family via social media, and they happily reconnected. Roman’s challenging childhood and mental health issues added to the complexities of his journey. However, with the Balassaitis’ love and support, Roman is making up for his lost childhood and experiencing moments he didn’t have before.
The Balassaitises don’t sugarcoat the challenges of adopting older children, but they consider it the most rewarding thing they have ever done. They have witnessed and embraced a range of physical and mental health conditions in the children they have fostered and adopted since 2008.
Roman’s story serves as a beacon of hope for orphaned teens who long for the stability and love of a forever family. With the adoption of Roman, Renee and Brad Balassaitis have given him a new chance at life and provided him with the emotional support that every child deserves. Roman’s path forward is now brighter, and he can embrace his future with a sense of relief and gratitude.
