An Arkansas teenager’s life changed forever after being adopted following nearly 15 years in foster care.
Cozy, 19, had spent 5,429 days in the foster system, making him the longest-waiting person in Arkansas foster care, according to KARK.com. On Monday, Aug. 25, Tim and Anna Dietrich officially adopted him.
Anna works with the nonprofit Project Zero, which helps connect foster children with permanent families. She first met Cozy through the organization.
“The Lord made it very clear that we were supposed to adopt him. We’re supposed to give him our name, give him our family, give him our whole hearts,” Anna said during a press conference recorded by TVH 11.
“Cozy is getting a whole crew today, and we’re so excited, and that is what we want for every single one of our waiting kids,” she added. “So until there is zero, let’s start this up again tomorrow, because today we’re celebrating.”
Tim also spoke at the press conference, explaining how a star had come to symbolize their connection with Cozy.
“[The] first time we met with his team, they were telling us about the things that he really likes and toys that he likes, and they really focused on the star,” he said, pointing to a toy star in Cozy’s hand. “And so for some reason, that’s kind of become our banner for him — a star, which is why he’s wearing stars, and he’s got a star necklace and star toys.”
Tiffany Wright, director of the Division of Children and Family Services, said the day was a joyful milestone but stressed that her team remained committed to the ongoing work of finding families for children in foster care.
“Even as we celebrate this beautiful day, we must stay focused on the goal of finding homes for other children who need them, and the critical work of Project Zero. This adoption gets us closer to our goal of zero,” Wright told TVH 11.
Project Zero also shared their excitement in an Instagram post on Aug. 27.
“We’re still celebrating Cozy’s adoption!” the organization wrote. “There are still nearly 200 children & teens like Cozy who deserve our whole hearts, our community & to be a part of a family. If this stirs your heart towards adoption please visit the FAQ page of our website!”
