Parents Feel Called To Adoption From Foster Care

DENVER (CBS4) - The Adoption Exchange has spent more than 30 years finding families for kids in foster care. So far they've placed more than 8,000 children in homes. When a child finds the right fit, it can change their whole life.

We met the Kniss family as they took a tour of the Chocolate Exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

"What do you think of this day?" CBS4's Britt Moreno asked Sierra, one of the Kniss's adopted children.

"It's the best day ever," Sierra replied.

"I love it. It gives me a chance to spend time with my family," said Owen, an adoptive son.

Kevin and Kelly have biological children but say they were called to adopt.

"It had everything to do with the kind of work God wanted to do in us. We started to do foster care and Sierra stayed forever and that became a game changer," Kelly told CBS4.

The couple adopted Sierra when she was 2½ years old.

"Sierra is funny and she has so much spunk," Kelly explained.

They adopted Owen when he was 15.

"He is resilient and he is way fun. He is gracious," she said.

Their youngest Aaliyah was adopted when she was 4½ years old.

"I think the amount of growth I've seen in her is miraculous," Kelly said.

Before their adoptions, Kelly and Kevin were the children's foster parents.

"My life has been pretty hard and it has been through foster homes. And my family has been watching out for me when I was five," said Owen.

Kelly and Kevin say that when a family comes together, there is a transition that brings certain challenges, but the rewards outweigh those hard moments.

"I have a hard time picturing them with anyone else because this is where they are supposed to be," Kelly said.

The Adoption Exchange specializes in making connections like the ones in the Kniss family. It also offers counseling and support before, during, and after the adoption process.

LINK: Donate to The Adoption Exchange

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.