Arkansas Longest-Term Foster Child Adopted After 15 Years

After nearly 15 years in Arkansas' foster care system, 19-year-old Cozy Dietrich, the state's longest waiting child, was finally adopted by Tim and Anna Dietrich of Little Rock. The adoption hearing was filled with joy and celebration, culminating in music and applause as Cozy officially joined his new family. Anna Dietrich, who works with the nonprofit Project Zero, emphasized that the decision to adopt Cozy was guided by faith and a clear sense of calling. Cozy, who is nonverbal and has medical challenges, is now surrounded by a supportive family and community dedicated to helping foster children find permanent homes. This adoption highlights the ongoing efforts of Project Zero and the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services to find homes for the 290 children still waiting in foster care. The Dietrich family hopes Cozy's story will inspire others to open their homes to children in need.