Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Each Wednesday, a child who is looking for an adoptive home is featured on KSL. This week, the two featured children found a loving adoptive family.
Sophia, 6, and her brother Payton, 4, have gone from foster home to foster home while growing up. Their biological mother was not able to take care of them. At one point, the children were moved to seven different homes in one month.
But after a family saw their story, they wanted to take them in.
Troy Bangert and his wife, Valerie, have fostered over 100 children and already had adopted two children when they saw the story of Sophia and Payton.
"These kids need to have some kind of continuity," Troy said. "It's not their fault, they were taken into custody. These kids just need a chance — need a home."
"Somebody has to do it," Valerie said. "Somebody needs to step up and say, 'I can help these kids.' "
After fostering the children for eight months, the Bangerts decided to make it official.
"This mom came and said, 'Do you want to move with us?' And I'm like, 'Sure!' " Sophia said.
The Bangerters said their house is a little more crowded now, but when they sit down for Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, they will all have a lot more to be grateful for.
"I can help these kids," Valerie said. "I can give them a safe place to be, a roof over their head, warm clothes and food, and all the hugs they need."
