November is National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate the families who open their hearts and homes to children in need, and to highlight the power of love, patience, and dedication in the adoption journey. This month, we are proud to share the story of Shayla and the Carlin family’s journey to forever.
On August 31, 2024, eleven-year-old Shayla walked through the doors of John and Katie Carlin’s home for the very first time. What she couldn’t have known then is that less than six months later—on October 27, 2025—she would walk into a courtroom and leave as their daughter.
Shayla’s journey toward permanency was not simple. Like many children in foster care, she carried big emotions, complicated memories, and the understandable fear of letting herself hope again. But the Carlin family met each moment with patience, advocacy, and unwavering love.
Katie especially understood what was at stake. Having spent time in foster care herself and later working professionally within the child welfare system, she knew the importance of stability—and she fought for it.
“From the moment Shayla arrived, I knew she needed more than a home. She needed a safe place to let herself feel, to trust, and to know that she truly belonged. I wanted her to have the security I wish I had at that age, and I was determined to advocate for that every step of the way.”
In the Carlin home, Shayla found more than safety—she found connection.
Shayla bonded deeply with both John and Katie…and with Jack, the family dog, who quickly became one of her favorite companions.
“Jack became her little shadow. Every time Shayla came down the stairs in the morning, Jack was right there waiting for her.”
Together, they created the kind of everyday memories that help a child’s heart settle: a birthday pool party, trips to the St. Louis Science Center, exploring the St. Louis City Museum, and weekends filled with laughter, routine, and the simple security of knowing she belonged.
For Shayla, these were more than outings. They were the building blocks of attachment—the lived experiences of being chosen, cherished, and seen.
“Seeing her eyes light up at the Science Center, or hearing her laugh during a pool party, reminded me why this journey was worth every challenge.”
One of the most beautiful parts of Shayla’s story has been the intentional effort to preserve her relationship with her brother. The Carlin’s stayed in communication with his placement and adoptive family, ensuring the siblings remained close. Sleepovers, shared celebrations, and meaningful time together helped maintain a bond that is essential to both children’s wellbeing. Remarkably, Shayla and her brother were adopted on the very same day—each into a loving, permanent family ready to walk into the future with them.
When the Carlins welcomed Shayla into their home, Coyote Hill walked alongside them from the beginning—helping them locate after school care options, offering recommendations for a play therapist, and providing the support they needed in a season of transition and growth.
“We were here for the little things and the big things. From finding resources to capturing the adoption day celebrations, every step was about helping Shayla and the Carlin family feel supported and celebrated.”
Shayla has been an active and joyful participant in our monthly Community Group, and our team rallied around the family as their adoption day approached.
“We helped secure a photographer to capture the moment and assisted with a celebration hosted at Surety Bonds—a day Shayla was very excited for. She told everyone she knew that she would be celebrating afterward in a ‘penthouse suite,’ and her joy was contagious.”
Looking back on their journey to adoption, the Carlin family shared this message for anyone considering fostering or adopting:
“It is so worth your effort, and you will never regret the opportunity to love a child. Every child deserves a family who is willing to go the distance—whether that leads to reunification or ultimately adoption.”
This is what National Adoption Month is all about.
Children like Shayla. Families like the Carlin’s.
Stories of courage, healing, and hope.
