Lincoln mother adopts seven on National Adoption Day

After today, a few Lincoln children will  be out of the system and happy in a permanent home.

On National Adoption Day, here in Lincoln, 26 children are getting their forever home and one woman has decided to adopt seven.

“She takes care of us way more better and she takes care of us really good (and) We always share and we always give really good hugs,” said her new daughters Alethea and Amya.

That’s right, Sandy Houser adopted seven children from ages eight to two, and a previously adopted boy stands with them.

She has 12 children in all. The Lincoln mother said once she raised her biological children, she said she still had more to give.

“My situation is unique because I’m doing open adoption with the families,” said Houser. “I knew both families prior to coming into these kids. So, I would keep open adoption with the parents because I feel the kids should still know their parents cause they know them. They love them.” 

Houser says she grew up with many brothers and sisters but she also knows this is a big decision.

“I tossed and turned on what to do cause its a lot of kids but I’ve been doing it for two years,” added Houser. “What is the difference? It’s coming to a closure for them being in the system and that’s all I’ve ever wanted was these guys to have a normal happy life.” 

Volunteers helped the day run smoothly. as court proceedings were finalized families could enjoy food and games, free toys and take their first official family photos together.

“We have 26 kids that are achieving permanence today that have been through the foster care system and have been able to find permanent homes,” said Cydney Volker, a child family specialist for the State of Nebraska. “So, it’s a day of celebration because it just always fills our cup up kids are being able to find permanency and they’re no longer lingering in the system.” 

She adds there are still over 200 children in the state that need forever homes.