Category: Adoption

A Forever Home for Olivia

With ACH by their side, the Deckert's path to parenthood led them to the daughter they had always been waiting for.

Ben and Melinda Deckert adopted their daughter, Olivia, through ACH Child and Family Services.

For years, Ben and Melinda Deckert imagined what family life might look like. They pictured bedtime routines, holiday traditions, and everyday moments shared with a child of their own. What they couldn’t picture was how long the journey would take.

Melinda remembers, “You feel like you’re missing someone who is already part of you.” 

Their path to parenthood included infertility treatments, adoption paperwork, training classes, home studies, and long stretches of waiting without clear answers. By the time they connected with ACH’s Adoption program, Ben and Melinda were discouraged after difficult experiences with other agencies. They wondered what would come next.

Intentionality is Key

What they found at ACH was a team that responded quickly, communicated openly, and made them feel seen. The personal connection is intentional and is what ACH strives for.

ACH Case Manager Lizbeth Bryant says the heart of her work is helping children find permanence and belonging. Instead of helping families find a child of their own, she puts the child’s needs first. “I’m helping children who need to find a forever home,” she says.

The Deckerts were hoping to adopt a baby, which can take longer than adopting an older child. While they worked through the adoption process with Lizbeth by their side, months turned into years, which was tough on Melinda and Ben. Lizbeth assured them that they had filled out the paperwork correctly and adopting a baby simply takes time.

Behind the scenes, ACH was continually evaluating opportunities, building relationships, and looking for the right match. The trust that developed between the family and their caseworker became one of the foundations of the journey.

Then came the call that changed everything. A little girl named Olivia had become available for adoption. “The journey was absolutely worth it,” she says. “It led us to her.”

Love That Endures

Olivia quickly became the center of a home that had been prepared for her long before she arrived. Today, she loves baking cookies with her mom, going on adventures with her dad, and making friends wherever she goes. She keeps everyone laughing with her larger-than-life personality. 

For Lizbeth, seeing stories like Olivia’s come full circle never gets old. After years of walking along patiently waiting families, she knows what it means when a child finally finds the right place to belong.

The Deckerts spent years wondering when their family would finally come together. Turns out, the journey wasn’t defined by the waiting. It was defined by who led it, and who it led to.

About Foster Care & Adoption

Foster Care & Adoption provides safe, stable, and nurturing family homes for children and youth who are unable to remain with their biological families. Services include foster care placement and support for children with emotional, behavioral, or specialized needs, as well as adoption services that guide and support families through the adoption process and beyond finalization through post-adoption resources and referrals.

I Want to Know More About Adopting

Tara’s Journey: ACH’s Continuum of Care in Action

Through our Continuum of Care, Tara found safety, stability, and a family committed to loving her.

Beginning with a Stable Place

When Tara entered the Secure Assessment Facility (SAF) program at ACH Child and Family Services, she was stepping away from years of sexual abuse and into a safe system designed to meet her needs every step of the way. SAF was Tara’s first experience with ACH, and it provided immediate stability during a time of uncertainty and helplessness.

For weeks, Tara, who was 14, was the only child in the program, which gave staff the opportunity to focus on her individual needs. They worked patiently to help her adjust and teach her basic skills, like healthy boundaries and emotional regulation. These skills would become the foundation for her progress.

SAF is often the first stop for children in crisis. The program offers a structured environment and therapeutic support. For Tara, it was more than a temporary placement; it was the beginning of a relationship with ACH that would span years and multiple programs. From day one, ACH staff demonstrated their commitment to going above and beyond, ensuring Tara felt safe and supported.

Growth Through Residential Treatment: Stability and Support

After SAF, Tara transitioned to the Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center (RTC), where she stayed for almost a year and a half. While long stays are uncommon, this longer placement proved essential for Tara.

At the RTC, she received consistent therapy, learned coping strategies, and began to trust the adults around her. ACH staff provided treatment paired with stability. Many of the same team members worked with Tara from her first day at the RTC until her last, creating a sense of security she had never experienced before.

She’s my longest-ever client,” says Amanda Bernal, her therapist and a clinical manager at ACH. “We celebrated every small win—because for Tara, each step forward was monumental.”

Progress wasn’t always easy. Tara faced challenges, moments of frustration, and setbacks along the way. But ACH staff celebrated every small victory. They noted shorter tantrums, better communication, and growing confidence. Therapists adapted her sessions to her interests, incorporating creative activities and outdoor walks to keep her engaged. Even when court delays and placement uncertainties made Tara feel hopeless, ACH remained her constant source of encouragement. Staff members attended hearings, advocated for her needs, and reminded her that she was not alone.

A Forever Family: Foster Care and Adoption

The final chapter of Tara’s journey at ACH began when she entered its Foster Care and Adoption program. After months of searching for the right fit, a special family stepped forward. ACH facilitated a careful, gradual transition that started with visits at the RTC, then soccer games, day trips, and eventually overnight stays. This thoughtful approach ensured Tara felt prepared and supported through every step.

“Because she stayed so long at ACH, her hope was beginning to waver that she’d ever find a family,” says Amanda. “But I told her, ‘Good things happen to those who wait.’ And now she’s found her family.”

Today, Tara is thriving in her foster home, surrounded by a loving family and even a few dogs she adores. She’s decorating her own room, engaging in aftercare therapy, and slowly transitioning back to school with the help of an accommodating school district.

ACH staff continue to stay connected, offering guidance and support long after placement. From the SAF to the RTC to foster care, Tara’s story reflects ACH’s commitment to a true continuum of care—meeting children where they are and walking with them toward a brighter future.

Tara’s journey is a testament to what happens when an organization refuses to give up. ACH didn’t just provide programs; it provided people—therapists, caseworkers, and advocates—who went above and beyond to ensure one young girl had the chance to heal, grow, and belong. For Tara, and for countless children like her, ACH is more than a service provider. It’s a lifeline.

The Secure Assessment Facility (SAF) at ACH provides a safe and secure environment for children ages 5–17 who are in crisis due to self-harm, runaway, or other high-risk behaviors. The program offers intensive supervision, therapy, and assessment services to stabilize children and support their emotional and behavioral needs. Its goal is to collaborate with the child and stakeholders to determine the best next placement and ensure continuity of care.

The Robert and Jane Ferguson Residential Treatment Center (RTC) at ACH is a secure, innovative program designed for teenagers in foster care who have endured severe trauma, abuse, and neglect. It provides intensive therapeutic support and a safe environment where youth can begin healing, learn to trust adults, and focus on personal growth. The program prepares these teens for successful family living and independence by connecting them to a strong support system for long-term stability.

Foster Care and Adoption through ACH helps children heal by connecting them with loving families through foster care, foster-to-adopt, or matched adoption options. The program provides thorough training and ongoing support to ensure caregivers are prepared to meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Its goal is to create safe, nurturing homes where children can thrive and, whenever possible, achieve permanency through reunification or adoption.