Justin Padgett, a teacher in Kentucky, is eagerly awaiting the new students who will be joining his classroom in the fall. However, he is also counting his blessings as he reflects on the thriving family of six that he and his wife have become through adoption. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Justin expressed his gratitude for the journey that led them to this point, saying, “Our lives are complete. We have left it all up to God to put us where we need to be at the right time. I feel fulfilled.”
Their remarkable adoption story began during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2021. Justin, who was teaching fifth grade at Highland Elementary School in Lincoln County, Kentucky, finally had the opportunity to teach his students in person during the final nine weeks of the school year. One of his students, Jayden, had fallen behind on his schoolwork, a common occurrence during the challenging times of COVID-19. Justin had been providing one-on-one tutoring to help Jayden catch up in reading and social studies when the unexpected request came.
Jayden expressed to Justin that he needed to be adopted, a revelation that moved the teacher deeply. The fifth grader explained that his current foster parents were unable to adopt him and his three siblings, and that his birth family had lost their parental rights. It was clear to Jayden that he and his siblings needed a permanent home through adoption, and he hoped that Justin would be the one to provide it.
Touched by Jayden’s plea, Justin reached out to the boy’s foster mom and then discussed the situation with his wife, Kasey. Despite their initial hopes of having a child of their own, the couple had faced challenges with infertility. Kasey shared her journey of prayer and reflection, ultimately leading them to consider fostering as a way to fulfill their desire to become parents. As they were nearing the end of their foster parenting training, Jayden’s request accelerated their plans to embrace fostering and potentially adoption.
With the involvement of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national nonprofit dedicated to finding families for children in foster care, the Padgetts embarked on the process of welcoming Jayden and his siblings into their home. The foundation played a crucial role in ensuring that all four siblings would remain together in their new family. The Padgetts began making connections with the children’s social worker and initiated visits with the siblings, gradually incorporating them into their lives.
In April 2021, the formal process of fostering the siblings began. The Padgetts, who were also involved in their church community as youth leaders, started integrating Jayden, Hailey, Alexis, and Jase into their church activities. The siblings had not been informed about the potential adoption initially, but as the relationship deepened, they were gradually made aware of the Padgetts’ intention to adopt them.
By the end of July 2021, the children had officially moved in with the Padgetts, marking a significant change for the whole family. The transition to a larger home and a new community in Danville, where Justin now works at the Kentucky School for the Deaf, was a testament to their commitment to providing a stable and loving environment for the siblings. The adoption was made official on March 3, 2022, solidifying their bond as a family.
Reflecting on their journey, the Padgetts emphasized the importance of considering older children in the adoption process, highlighting the unique challenges and needs that these children may have due to their past experiences in foster care. They hope that their story will inspire others to explore fostering or adoption, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and support in navigating the complexities of adoption.
As they look to the future, the Padgetts remain open to whatever path God has in store for them, whether that involves expanding their family through natural childbirth or adoption once again. Their faith and resilience have guided them through this transformative journey, and they are eager to share their story as a source of encouragement for others, including fellow teachers who may feel called to make a difference in the lives of children in need.
