At Arrow, our staff is in the business of heart work. An 11-year-old and his newfound family is an exceptional example of this.
The Houck family recently finalized the adoption of their son Jecht. This adoption is a remarkable success, preceded by months of hurdles, tremendous efforts by multiple parties and unwavering commitment.
According to Leah Wilson, Arrow’s Director of Kinship, The Houck’s were licensed through Arrow’s Dallas Fort-Worth office as a temporary Kinship Treatment Foster Care placement for Jecht after his needs became increasingly severe and his aunt could no longer be his primary caretaker.
Jecht had a severe medical background; he had multiple diagnoses, Level 3 Autism, the most intensive autism spectrum disorder level, ADHD, PTSD and Conduct Disorder.
“In the early stages of the licensing process, an incident of aggression led to a hospitalization,” Wilson said.
A joint meeting later took place with 4Kids4Families’ staff and the psychiatric team at this hospital.
Wilson explained this difficult meeting left staff and the family in a state of unknown.
“Professionals conveyed that Jecht would likely never be able to live in a home environment, would likely require institutional care throughout his childhood and possibly his life,” Wilson said.
4Kids4Families began the search for more restrictive placements as the Houck’s questioned if they could continue with this process.
However, the Houck’s remained committed.
The family took placement of Jecht in September of 2024.
“After an extraordinary level of perseverance from the Houck family, they adopted Jecht,” Wilson said. “He now has a forever home that truly understands him and will fight for his needs.”
Wilson said she admired Mrs. Houck, who knew Jecht before his placement in their home as she worked as his Registered Behavior Technician assisting in his ABA therapy, stating that her heart for kinship and neurodiverse children is coupled with both lived experience and intention.
In a surprising discovery, Mrs. Houck served as a kinship caregiver to her younger siblings when she was a youth as well, her brother, whom has ASD, can be seen in their adoption photo.
Because of dedication and concern for the outcome of children like Jecht, his outcome is bright.
“Children like Jecht are too often overlooked for permanency,” Wilson said. “Witnessing him find stability, belonging and unconditional commitment is profoundly meaningful.”
Wilson shared widespread appreciation for each person who made this adoption a reality, securing permanency for Jecht and supporting this home.
“This is the kind of outcome that reminds us why our work matters,” Wilson said.
Arrow is proud to say this outcome not only reflects the Houck’s’ unwavering commitment, but the collective dedication of recruitment, foster home developers, kinship, programs, treatment foster care, therapeutic services and our partners at 4Kids4Families.
