Abandoned and Abused Boy Goes through 24 Foster Homes before Finding His Forever Family at 33

When children do not receive the love and care they deserve, it can cause problems in their lives for years to come. One man spent three decades looking for a forever home, and he almost gave up.

A Florida man was used to abandonment and neglect. Growing up, Dale Kiefer-Perrault moved between family homes where he suffered abuse at the hands of those supposed to look after him.

By the time he was 18 years old, he was a ward of the state that had lived in 24 different foster homes. Kiefer-Perrault's hopes of having a family grew slimmer as his past traumas plagued him.

THE LIFE-CHANGING CONVERSATION

When he joined Michelle and Steve in Fairfield, California, he had no reason to believe they would show him love and affection because all he knew was pain and disappointment. Despite this, Michelle and Steve did their best to help him.

One conversation between Michelle and Kiefer-Perrault changed their lives forever. When she asked him about himself, his life story left her speechless and emotional. Michelle shared: "For the next two days, I just cried."

HE BELONGED WITH THEM

After their talk, the adoptive mom knew she would never be the same again. She had already adopted four little kids with her husband and never imagined taking in a teenager.

In 2017, Kiefer-Perrault heard the words he had waited a lifetime to hear.

Michelle felt called to be Kiefer-Perrault's mom, and their visits became more frequent. Michelle said: "We just knew he belonged with us." They asked him to come and live with them, and he did not think twice before saying yes.

THE WORDS HE HAD BEEN WAITING FOR

In 2017, Kiefer-Perrault heard the words he had waited a lifetime to hear. After thousands of days as a state ward, he finally found his forever home.

Steve and Michelle excitedly asked him if they could make things official by adopting him. The family announced the joyous news a year later in an emotional post and shared that they were thrilled Kiefer-Perrault was officially their son.

HE TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND

The 33-year-old took their last name and no longer had "The State of Florida" listed as his parent. Thanks to the example set by Steve and Michelle, Kiefer-Perrault turned his life around and started a beautiful family of his own.

He expressed:

"It took me 30 years to discover something that seems so easily obtainable. I love myself and am therefore able to love others."

ANOTHER COUPLE ADOPTED SOMEONE OLDER

Adoption is unique regardless of age, and people desire to belong no matter how old or young they are. One teenager thought he would never find a loving family because he had been abandoned and abused. Fortunately, things changed for the better.

In 2019, Casey Douglas and her husband adopted 18-year-old Randall. Many people questioned the Texas couple's decision and urged them to adopt someone younger, but they followed their hearts.

Randall's life was changed forever, much like Kiefer-Perrault's, and they were grateful to have found homes after years of waiting.