19-Year-Old Aged Out Of Foster Care Adopted By Her Case Worker

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — A Manatee County teenager who aged out of foster care had a lot to celebrate Tuesday as she was formally adopted by her former case worker.

Monyay, 19, had previously been in foster and group home care before aging out of the system, Safe Children Coalition, an organization that works to protect children and strengthen families in Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties, shared on its Facebook page.

The teen was adopted by Leah Paskalides, adoptions assistant manager for Safe Children Coalition. She served as Monyay’s case manager and later became a mentor to the teen.

“Throughout Monyay’s journey in care, they remained in contact and sharing a close connection,” the organization wrote.

Because of Paskalides’ position as Monyay’s case worker, she was unable to adopt the teen.

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“Until today!! Monyay, who is now 19, was able to choose to be adopted as an adult. Closing a chapter in her book and starting another,” Safe Children Coalition wrote. “Both Leah and Monyay hope to serve as a reminder of the teens in care still in need of a safe and loving home!”