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SALT LAKE CITY — There are more than 200 children in the Utah Foster Care system waiting to be adopted. When you add in disabilities, the odds of finding a permanent home drop. This week, KSL met two brothers with special needs, hoping to find their forever family.
Like most 12-year-old boys, Gabe loves to play video games. But he looks a little different than others his age.
Gabe was born with Goldenhar syndrome. His lower jaw and ears never properly formed, so he uses hearing aids and limited sign language to communicate with those around him.
“As a child, he was neglected both medically and educationally,” said Christopher Parry, caseworker with the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. “From birth to (age) 10, he didn’t get the rearing up that a kid should get in that time period.”
Because of that, Gabe is behind developmentally. But Parry said he's catching up quickly.
Wherever you see Gabe, you will also see Julian. Like a lot of little brothers, 8-year-old Julian adores his big brother — because of that, they won't be separated.
“We can’t do it,” Parry said. “Those boys have been together their entire lives. Even prior to coming into DCFS custody, Gabe has always been there for Julian.”
Julian was born with cerebral palsy. He depends on others to feed and dress him, and help him get around.
“He loves a social atmosphere. He loves noise and other people, and other people love him,” Parry said.
Although each of the boys requires extra medical attention, they would bring a lot of happiness to a permanent family.
“Those two boys are a lot of fun,” Parry said. “They really care and love for one another.”
To learn more about these two boys and the many other children in foster care, visit the Utah Adoption Exchange website.
