The Penton Family

Our family consists of ten children and two adults. Seven children are still living at home. One went to heaven, one lives on her own, and one is married and has given me the most wonderful gift - a beautiful little grandson. It has not always been this way. About twenty years ago I decided to become a foster parent. I have always wanted a house full of children - 12 to be exact, and I had already had three miscarriages. I was volunteering for Protective Services and would sit and call for hours looking for homes for children. I decided I wanted to be available to bring some of those children home with me so I went though MAPP and became a foster parent.

Over the past twenty years, I have fostered close to 200 children and adopted 9. I also have one biological child. Last April I got married and my husband Allen adopted six of my children. My youngest two children are from a previous marriage, one bio and one adopted. Most of the time that I have fostered and adopted has been as a single parent. Eight of my children were adopted while I was single.

What advice do I have for foster parents or families interested in adopting? Well, I believe the most important thing to remember is, children are only children for a short time and they all deserve to have the best childhood they can. All children deserve a family. Keep telling yourself, it’s all about the children. If things get tough, remind yourself why you are going through it. Be involved with other foster/adoptive families and draw from their support and encouragement. Then be an encouragement to others after you make it through and your children are yours forever.

• Covington and Allen Family
• Sharper Family
• Appleby Family
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• More Family Stories

If you have a foster or adoption story to share, please email it to family@adoptuskids.org. We will review your story and contact you if we have questions and would like to share your story on the website. Please include your first and last name, phone number and best time to reach you.

AdoptUsKids is dedicated to increasing the public awareness of foster care and adoption. As a “real” adoptive or foster family, you are an important part of our national media outreach. If you are asked to participate in an interview, please don't be intimidated; sharing your story can make such a difference! We have developed the Media Guide for Families (PDF 1.6 MB/21 pages) to assist you. It provides tips and facts about AdoptUsKids. Thanks for your willingness to help!