Arizona Woman Finds Her Forever Family After Aging Out of Foster Care: A Timeless Need for Belonging

Autumn Wise, who was adopted at the age of 20, defies conventional expectations around foster care. Hailing from Arizona, she is now a vocal advocate for youth still navigating the foster system.

“It was a long time coming,” Wise remarked, reflecting on her journey. She entered the foster system at only three years old, remaining until she aged out at 18.

“After my 18th birthday, I was like, ‘I’m not getting adopted.’ I had come to terms with that reality,” Wise continued, expressing her previous resignation to the status quo of her circumstances.

Recent statistics from the Arizona Department of Child Safety reveal that nearly 330 children aged out of foster care in just the first half of 2024. Alarmingly, about half of these children experienced more than five placements during their time in the system.

“We’re not bad kids,” Wise asserted. “Kids are in the system not by their own doing.” Her sentiments highlight the broader issues surrounding youth in foster care.

While Wise acknowledged some support within group homes, she emphasized a deeper longing for familial ties. “It’s hard growing up without that connection,” she admitted.

The relationship Wise forms with her adoptive parents began five years prior when they approached her about the possibility of adoption. Despite her previous setbacks, she remained open to the idea.

“I have been standing on my own two feet for as long as I can remember,” Wise stated. “My parents have provided a foundation that I didn’t have growing up.” Their support has transformed her life, creating a safety net that was previously absent.

Officially adopted a year after first discussing it, Wise now truly understands the value of family. “Just because we age out doesn’t mean we stop needing support, love, or familiarity,” she expressed passionately. “Everyone deserves a family, no matter their age.”

Beyond her personal story, Wise emphasizes the importance of community involvement. “You don’t have to adopt to make a difference,” she advised. “Being a mentor or simply showing care can also profoundly impact a young person’s life.”