A teenager who spent almost his entire life in the foster care system has finally found a place to call home – at 19 years old.
Cozy, who is non-verbal and has special needs, had waited a heartbreaking 5,429 days for a family to choose him after entering foster care back in October 2010.
He was the longest waiting child in the system in Arkansas, US, before his adoption was finalised on Monday (25 August) morning.
READ MORE: Darth Vader’s lightsaber set to fetch £2.2m at movie props auction
- Advertisement -
The emotional moment played out in a packed Little Rock courtroom as Cozy was officially adopted by Anna and Tim Dietrich – the couple who had already loved him as their own.
Anna first met Cozy through her job at Project Zero, a non-profit that connects children in care with permanent families.
“I know firsthand what it means to see a child find a family, and we are so excited to be making Cozy a part of ours,” Anna Dietrich told What’s The Jam.
“We have known Cozy for years through my work at Project Zero, and it became clear after praying over this decision that we were meant to be together.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be growing our family while at the same time moving one step closer to zero.”
- Advertisement -
Despite challenges, Cozy is known for his big smile and strong spirit.
He loves walks and has a soft spot for noodles, pizza and soda.
After the judge made it official, he proudly walked out of court flanked by his new mum and dad as supporters waved signs reading “ONE LESS” and “5,429”.
- Advertisement -
Clutching toys in his hands, he was met with an eruption of cheers.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: “It is days like these that I love being the Governor of Arkansas most.”
READ MORE: Vegan firefighter tackles 40,000lb steak blaze on first shift
