Children without families want just one thing: a forever home.
But some of those children get rejected by adoptive parents before that can happen.
A new program in Bradenton may help keep children in their adoptive homes.
Catherine and Brent Greer are doing their part to create a forever home. The couple currently has seven adopted children under their roof.
"Carolina, Trigg, Charlie, Kay, Holley, Piper and Jessica," Catherine says proudly.
Before they were with the Greers, the children were in various situations, including on the streets and in drug homes.
"I think they had a little more to deal with then a regular biological child," Catherine Greer said.
It has been the biggest challenge of their lives, Brent said.
"But it is truly the most blessed thing you can do," he said.
For other parents, taking care of adopted children can become overwhelming - or just not a good fit. According to adoption agencies in Manatee County, 14 recently adopted children were returned to the system in the last 22 months.
"Most of those children were returned in their teen years," said Barbara Brownell, the program director for the Family Partnership Center. "(That's) a tumultuous time anyway, in any family, and particularly among families with children who are adopted."
Brownell said in addition to the classes and counseling for people prior to adoption, resources are needed after the children move into their adoptive homes.
The classes end and there are few support groups in Manatee County, Brownell said.
But that is changing.
Manatee County has approved more than $376,000 for a new adoption preservation program to be ran by the Family Partnership Center. The center will offer classes and support services that the area has never had previously.
The Greers said the services, which are slated to start Oct. 1, will help.
"Hopefully, it is going to save more families out there that are kind of on that threshold of just being overwhelmed," Catherine Greer said.