When their lives were shaped by uncertainty, she made a choice that changed everything — to be their safe place, no matter what.
Ms. Snow* is the devoted maternal grandmother of Ethan* (13) and Liam* (9). Due to their mother’s long-standing substance abuse, homelessness, and inability to provide safe or consistent care, Ms. Snow stepped forward without hesitation to assume responsibility for her grandsons. From an early age, she became their primary source of safety, stability, and unconditional love, ensuring they were raised in a nurturing and protective home.
Becoming the Children's Constant
Ms. Snow had been actively involved in Ethan’s life before assuming full-time care. When her daughter became pregnant with Liam while living in Ms. Snow’s home, she was already caring for Ethan and familiar with his needs. As their mother’s addiction and instability escalated, Ms. Snow remained the one constant in the children’s lives, providing structure, consistency, and care.
Facing the Impact of Trauma
Ethan’s behavior began to decline when he was in elementary school, reflecting the impact of early trauma. When he began experiencing significant behavioral and emotional challenges, Ms. Snow voluntarily approached Child Protective Services, knowing that state conservatorship would ensure he received the therapeutic services he needed. Ethan entered her home with trauma that deeply affected his well-being. He struggled with suicidal thoughts, running away, and serious safety concerns that at times required law enforcement involvement. Recognizing he needed more support than she could safely provide alone, Ms. Snow ensured Ethan received intensive therapeutic services through a residential treatment program, despite how emotionally difficult the decision was.
Moving Forward with Support and Guidance
Through treatment and her continued advocacy, Ethan made meaningful progress. He continues to require a high level of supervision due to ongoing behavioral concerns, including sexualized behaviors, and Ms. Snow remains vigilant in providing structure, clear boundaries, and consistent support. He also receives ongoing therapy and school-based support, which Ms. Snow actively coordinates.
Ms. Snow completed the ACH Adoption Licensure process, benefiting from the expedited track that allowed her to move forward quickly during a critical period. The ACH licensing worker was instrumental in providing hands-on guidance, encouragement, and advocacy at every step. ACH also assisted Ms. Snow financially with utilities and connected her to adoption grant resources and other community support, helping her provide a safe, stable home while managing her responsibilities as a single caregiver on a limited income.
This support made the adoption process manageable, timely, and effective, allowing Ms. Snow to focus on the children’s well-being. In January 2026, Ethan was officially adopted by Ms. Snow, marking a powerful moment of permanency and belonging. Today, Ethan continues to make steady progress. He is engaged in school, participates in basketball, and continues therapeutic work within the safety of a permanent, loving home. Liam also benefits from the structure, stability, and care Ms. Snow provides.
A Future Built on Love and Resilience
Ms. Snow’s story reflects resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Through every challenge, she has consistently chosen to protect, advocate for, and stand beside her grandsons. With the ongoing guidance and resources provided by ACH and its licensing staff, she has created a home filled not only with safety and stability, but hope, healing, and a future.
*Names and likeness have been changed to protect privacy
About Kinship Connections
ACH Child and Family Services strongly promotes the philosophy and practice that when children cannot be with their parents safely, the next best option is a relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or close family friends. Our Kinship Connections program places foster children in the home of a relative or person who knew the child before he or she was removed from the home. Research shows that kinship placements provide a sense of stability, identity and belonging during a time of crisis and help preserve the child’s cultural identity and relationship to their community. Kinship Connectionsis voluntary assistance to help families in the child welfare system adapt to their new role as caregiver. ACH also offers a similar free program, Kinship Navigator, for youth and families in the community who are not in the child welfare system.