UTAH: Galileo, a boy with autism and high support needs, entered foster care due to neglect. Found in an abandoned RV, his mother had not provided essential medical care or a stable, safe environment. Galielo’s mother relinquished her parental rights, hoping he’d find stability with a new family. However, that hope dwindled with each passing year. Even though Galileo has remained in one therapeutic foster home, there are no plans to adopt him.
Complicating permanency efforts for Galileo, an initial case manager, prohibited outreach to his biological family. Although several families initially expressed interest in adopting him, each placement fell through after they realized Galileo would require lifelong care and could never live independently. A teacher from his school eventually expressed interest and began the adoption process, but her plans were halted due to personal circumstances. These repeated setbacks underscored Galileo’s need for a stable, enduring family connection.
When Iles, Galileo’s Youth Connections Advocate from Raise the Future, began using Connect Our Kids’ Family Connections, particularly the integrated SenecaSearch tool, she uncovered three adult half-siblings and a potential biological father for Galileo. Using Family Connections’ built-in family mapping tool, Iles was able to visualize the connections between the newly discovered family members clearly and organize outreach to build support for Galileo.
Upon learning about Galileo, the potential father immediately responded to Iles’ request to connect. He is now in the process of verifying his paternity.
Galileo is getting to know the biological relatives found through Connect Our Kids technology tools. He recently had a very successful visit with one of his adult half-siblings, who lives about an hour away. Galileo, usually quiet and reserved, came alive and was more expressive during his visit with his older brother. Although his older brother works long hours, he is committed to visiting Galileo throughout the upcoming holiday season and every month after. Additionally, Galileo’s potential father has expressed enthusiasm for building a relationship pending paternity confirmation.
Although a final placement hasn’t been confirmed, meaningful connections have been established, giving Galileo a chance to reconnect with long-lost family and rekindle the hope of finding permanence.
Connect Our Kids is a non-profit dedicated to leveraging technology to find families, build connections, and create a community for children in the foster care system. Want to help more children like Galileo? You can today by donating HERE.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
