Luke, 11, spent time in a staggering 25 foster homes in four years … now he’s found a family to love him forever

An Arkansas boy has finally found his forever home after drifting between 25 different foster homes for four years.

Luke Kissinger, 11, was officially adopted by his new family last Tuesday, May 14, in Boone County, Arkansas.

The fourth-grader’s past was marked by frequent moves — jumping from one foster home to another — often due to a lack of available foster homes and behavioral problems resulting from the trauma he experienced.

Despite his challenging past, Luke’s mother, Cassie, said her son has shown remarkable resilience and bonded with his new family.

“Luke has been through so much heartbreak and trauma, but he has the biggest heart, has worked so hard to improve his behavior and catch up in school, and he is doing great,” his mother, Cassie Kissinger, told Dailymail.com.

‘He has had trouble finding joy in the past, but with us he has always been so happy and full of life. Since the adoption, that joy has become even more evident,” she added.

Luke’s new parents, who had opened their home specifically for adoption, watched a video he made through the nonprofit Project Zero in March 2023. Luke wasn’t the first child they met, but once they met him, they knew he was theirs.

“We knew right away he was ours,” his mother remembers. ‘Dad and I finally met him in June at a Connection Event and the bond with him was immediate. He met his brother and sister for the first time in July and they all became fast friends.”

Now, overnight, Luke’s life has changed from one of trauma and instability to one of joy and security.

‘Luke has a very good relationship with everyone in the family. “He enjoys spending time with dad and joking around, being seen by mom and sister, and playing football in the backyard with brother,” she told Dailymail.com

His supportive classmates celebrated the joyful day as they watched the heartwarming moment the court confirmed his adoption via livestream.

“That day was very special because now I don’t have to worry about moving anymore,” Luke told the local news station KAIT8.

Luke, who said it was “exhausting” bouncing from one house to another, said he loved how his classmates supported him and saw his dreams come true.

“That’s really exciting,” Luke told the newspaper. He said it felt “really good” to see his classmates cheering him on and that he finally had a place he could call home.

The adoption process took a little over a year before it became official.

But Luke’s mother said every minute was worth it. She said it was a day she will never forget.

Cassie was moved by the reaction of her fourteen family members and Luke’s classmates as they witnessed this special moment.

She said it was an emotional day, but in a positive way.

“Everyone started tearing up the classroom and cheering that their teachers were there,” Cassie said.

Cassie was inspired to adopt when she watched a video from the nonprofit Project Zero, an organization whose mission is to “diligently and enthusiastically promote adoption” through the foster care system with the ultimate goal of “finding a forever family for every child ‘. who’s waiting.’

She first met Luke in March 2023 and knew immediately the child was for her, she said.

According to Cassie’s friend on Facebook, when her family went to pick up the fourth grader, he said, “You guys are going to adopt me”!!!!!

“Until Tuesday, he didn’t believe it would last forever,” Cassie said.

It took Luke some time to adjust to his new life, but Cassie said her son finally understands that this is his forever home.

His new brother said he was thrilled with the news.

“I think it’s very exciting,” Ayden Looney said.

His sister Alena Looney expressed similar excitement, saying, “I’m glad he’s my brother. I love him like a brother.’

It was a great week for Luke, who not only started a family but also received Brookland Middle School’s fourth-grade Chamber of Commerce Award for overcoming “personal challenges.”

It’s unclear why Luke is transferring foster care so often, but the data shows there were 43 more than 4,199 Arkansas children in foster care as of March 31 than at the end of 2022. Arkansas attorney.

Arkansas is understaffed within the government agency that runs the state’s foster care system, according to the Division of Children and Family Services’ quarterly report.

This has led to a higher number of cases and higher turnover.

According to the DHS Deputy Director of Youth and Families, turnover typically occurs within two years of hire.

However, the state still saw an overall decrease of 325 children in foster care since June 30 of last year, according to the report.