WEDNESDAY'S CHILD

Wednesday’s Child: Creative 13-year-old Kaydee hopes to find forever family

Sep 15, 2021, 3:32 PM | Updated: 3:37 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The average amount of time a child spends in foster care in Utah is about 18 months, according to the Utah Department of Human Services’ 2020 annual report on Child and Family Services. For 13-year-old Kaydee, it’s been six years.

In this week’s Wednesday’s Child, in partnership with Raise the Future, KSL TV visited with Kaydee at Art Haus, where she shared details of her life in hopes of connecting with a potential adoptive family.

Having lived in more than a dozen foster homes, Kaydee said adoption holds a special meaning for her.

“It means to be part of a family, and they care for me,” she said.

Kaydee said she spend some of her early years in Vernal and loved visiting the rodeo. She said she loves animals and hopes to one day be a veterinarian.

“I love playing around with pets, I love pets, I’m obsessed with dogs — that’s why I want a dog when I grow up,” she said.

Kaydee also loves art and music and looks forward to those activities at school.

“I play instruments, I played the trumpet yesterday, so it was pretty hard, it sounded like a squealing thing … trust me, it didn’t sound good,” she laughs.

Kaydee has lived with her current foster family for about three years. While she likes her current placement, she knows it’s not a permanent one.

“She will probably thrive in a family where she could be the youngest in the home, but she’s doing really well in her placement where they have younger kids, she loves kids,” said Alba Cabrera, Kaydee’s youth connections advocate with Raise the Future.

“She’s overcome a lot, losing everything she’s ever known as far as her family, and but she has so much hope as far as finding a family or finding those people that are going to be there for her and support her as she gets older,” Cabrera said.

Striking up a conversation is easy for Kaydee, who chatted away while creating her own mug at Art House. She loves people and she loves to hear their stories.

“She cares so much about people, and she’s constantly wanting to see how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to,” Cabrera said.

Kaydee said she would like potential family to know that she loves to be active and loves playing sports. She also wants them to know she’s a nice person with a lot to give.

“My personality is really nice, and I’m a nice kid. Really nice kid, actually,” she said.

“Kadydee is one of the sweetest girls that I have ever met, ever worked with, she’s just super friendly and will strike up a conversation with anybody she meets and she’s just really sweet,” Cabrera said.

For more information about Kaydee contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444 or go to raisethefuture.org.

KSL 5 TV Live

Wednesday's Child

Fifteen-year-old Phoenix, making cupcakes at So Cupcake in Millcreek....

Shara Park

Wednesday’s Child: 15-year-old Phoenix loves to write, bake, and aspires to work in childcare

Fifteen-year-old Phoenix is looking for a family that will love her for who she is and will help with her career aspirations.

5 days ago

Noah Wednesday's Child...

Shara Park

Wednesday’s Child: Teen gamer Noah wants to make memories with forever family

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s not uncommon to hear shrieking and laughter coming from inside the Redrig mobile gaming trailer. With dozens of games to play, and multiple screens to play on, it’s a space where everyone is welcome.

19 days ago

Gavin speaking about his interest in science and technology, and his want for a forever home....

Shara Park

Wednesday’s Child: Gavin loves to tinker with technology and is open about his adoption journey

14-year-old Gavin has a special interest in science and technology and wants to work for the military when he grows up.

1 month ago

To get to know siblings, Desiree, Alex, and Elias, the group visited The Escape Date in Pleasant Gr...

Shara Park

Wednesday’s Child: Siblings Desiree, Alex and Elias share a special bond

To get to know siblings, Desiree, Alex, and Elias, the group visited The Escape Date in Pleasant Grove, and took on the adventure of a candy themed room, and its mission to uncover a secret family recipe.

2 months ago

Wed child Austin...

Shara Park

Wednesday’s Child: 17-year-old Austin searches for a family to help him in adulthood

Seventeen-year-old Austin has a passion for everything nerdy and is looking for a family to support him in his next phase of life.

2 months ago

13-year-old Ryker on a teeter-totter in Thunder Junction All-Abilities Park....

Shara Park

13-year-old Ryker loves music and Disney movies

13-year-old Ryker is looking for a family who can help him with his disabilities and provide unconditional love.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Wednesday’s Child: Creative 13-year-old Kaydee hopes to find forever family