Laraine and Orlando

Laraine first became a foster parent in 2010 after taking in two distantly related family members, Sophia, and Brent. She and her husband, Orlando, would formally adopt them on August 17, 2010, seven days after welcoming the birth of their firstborn son on August 10. Although they were excited and happy to bring in their two adopted children into the family, they quickly realized they would having a learning curve after discovering that both Sophia and Brent had developmental disabilities.

Brent had a difficult start. He struggled with sleeping and constantly had dysregulated meltdowns. Laraine and Orlando were surprised as they could tell his behaviors weren’t normal, but they did not know what he needed for help. Even feeding Brent came with issues because he had no off button for feeling fully – he kept eating until the point of vomiting. Brent also showed issues with sensory processing and signs of speech delay. When he was 15 months old, Laraine started seeking help but was faced with doctors who didn’t have experience working with people with developmental disabilities.

In contrast, Sophia was very quiet and did not want to be touched as a baby. Overall, they did not know how to proceed with her because she did not exhibit the same signs as her brother. But at 3 years old, Sophia became so overstimulated by and struggled with regulating emotions that she would scream and hit people. It affected her life so much that she would have to be picked up from school on a regular basis because she was considered a danger to herself and others. At the age of 5, Sophia began having seizures. Realizing they needed to make a change for Sophia, they put her on mood stabilizers at the age of 4 and saw significant improvements and after learning about her seizures, they found a medication that both helped manage seizures while being a mood stabilizer.

As foster to adopter parents, Laraine and Orland did not anticipate the extra level of care needed for their two children. They had not known they would be faced with so much difficulties, but it led them eventually being referred to the MIND Institute and to Alta California Regional Center. At ages 11 and 12, Sophia and Brent were diagnosed with autism. It also led to Laraine creating a nonprofit, REACH, which provides support groups to foster parents.

Both Brent and Sophia have had significant approvements in their life since getting the help they need. Sophia has graduated from 8^th grade and her family is feeling hopeful and excited at the possibility of Sophia graduating from high school in the future.

Despite the previous difficulties, Laraine and Orlando have begun the process to become foster parents again and are certified to take in children with higher or special needs. They would prefer to take in another sibling set because these groups tend to have a difficult time getting into a foster home, and Laraine and Orlando want to be open to reaching those that may not normally get a chance.

As parents to four children, two of them being adopted, Laraine and Orlando believe in the importance of getting into a support group. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, join a group to learn from, share with, and be in community with you can best success as a foster parent. REACH is always happy to welcome more parents into their groups.