How teen adoption grew one local family in the best way possible

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In Alabama, there are approximately 6,000 children in foster care, including older youth often overlooked by potential adoptive families.

We spoke with Amber Carroll, a local mother who found 14-year-old Josiah on the Heart Gallery Alabama website, to find out why she chose to adopt a teen and how it changed her family for the better.

How Josiah joined the Carroll family

In March of 2019, Amber and Logan Carroll watched Instant Family—a comedy-drama about two unprepared first-time parents who adopt three teenage siblings from the foster system and the unique challenges that ensue.

The movie planted a seed in Amber’s head, and she began exploring Alabama’s teen adoption process.

“When I began researching what is required to adopt in Alabama, everyone thought I was nuts.

We already have three children and there is a lot of stigma about adopting older children.”

Amber Carroll

After discovering the need to adopt teens is much higher than that of adopting younger children, Amber and her family knew they wanted to give a teen a forever home. 

By August, the Carrolls began the adoption process. By February 2020, they were certified as an adoptive home.

In March of 2020, one year after the Carrolls were first inspired to adopt, they met Josiah on the Heart Gallery Alabama website.

Heart Gallery Alabama is a local nonprofit that connects youth in foster care with parents who are committed to providing lifelong care and support.

Heart Gallery connects children in foster care to caring families

As soon as Josiah was officially welcomed into the Carroll family, everyone was dedicated to making him feel like he had a forever home.

They went on family vacations, bonded through game nights and got to know Josiah as the newest member of Team Carroll.

“He has become an awesome addition to our family—he really has completed us.

We try to give him all the love he missed out on throughout his tough beginnings and try to teach him things he hasn’t been taught.”

Amber Carroll

Nearly five years after his adoption, the Carrolls are celebrating Josiah’s graduation from high school. They can’t wait to see where his next chapter in life takes him.

Get involved with Heart Gallery + support teens in foster care

This summer, Heart Gallery Alabama is sending children in foster care back to school in style.

Each child will receive $500 to shop for clothes, shoes and school supplies with the assistance of potential adoptive parents.

When you donate to Heart Gallery, you’ll help support youth in foster care by providing them with clothes, school supplies, and even birthday presents.

Donate today + learn more about adoption and fostering.

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