Holidays

Kathie and Dominic Fohrenkam enjoyed raising their three children and knew they wanted to help other children who needed guidance, nurturing and love. At first, the couple thought they might run a daycare but decided to become foster parents instead. They had often driven by Children’s Bureau’s Palmdale office and decided to attend one of the agency’s information meetings. The couple was completely certified in three months and received a call asking if they would take in a then 1 ½ year-old red-headed boy named Adrian.

“When Adrian came to us, he was still using a high chair. He had a lot of energy and just needed someone who understood him and would play with him,” said Dominic Fohrenkam. For months, Children’s Bureau and the Fohrenkam’s tried to work with Adrian’s young mother on various parenting skills through therapy and visitation sessions. However, she continued to not bond with the child or show any interest in him. When Adrian came up for adoption, Dominic and Kathie knew they would take him. “It’s like he’s always been a part of the family,” Dominic added.

The adoption became final on February 28, 2006. Adrian changed his full name to Adrian Richard Fohrenkam. Shortly after the adoption, the family was at a baseball game where Adrian happily shouted, “my mom and dad adopted me”! Today the vibrant 4-year-old enjoys preschool and playing with cars.