Race against time as teenager is adopted just hours before he turns 18

20 October 2023 , 07:56

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Roman was delighted to be adopted just in time before he turned 18 (Image: First Coast News)

In heartwarming scenes a Florida teenager was adopted just hours before celebrating his 18th birthday - finally securing a family of his own.

Roman Nehemiah officially became a part of the Balassaitis family on October 17 at the Clay County Historic Courthouse, and says his “heart was beating” as the adoption finally became official. Now Roman Balassaitis, the newly adopted teen expressed his joy at how his life has changed saying: "I was sweating bad. My heart was beating. I was very happy. It means I have someone to go to. It means if I need someone to talk to, I have people to talk to now."

Brad and Renee Balassaitis, Roman's adoptive parents, have a history of adopting children through the foster care system. They've previously adopted seven other children - in addition to already raising their two biological children - and have provided a home for nearly 20 children over the years.

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Brad Balassaitis explained to First Coast News : "So now we know we have nine kids, officially. It's incredible. I mean, we're hours away from him turning 18. And we've started this process months and months ago, trying to make sure that he wouldn't age out and become a statistic."

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Roman's new parents have adopted seven children (First Coast News)

In emotional scenes a delighted Roman hugging those around him as his long-awaited adoption is finally finalised, before he hugs his new parents either side of him. “Thank God, yeah, it happened,” he said.

60% of children in Florida's foster care system "age out" according to University of Florida data - meaning they reach 18 without being adopted, which in the worst case scenarios can lead to homelessness. Roman had previously been in approximately 19 different homes throughout his young life.

But now dad Brad has expressed his undying commitment to new son Roman's future, saying: "It's not been an easy life for him. I love that we'll have the opportunity to be a part of his life going forward, that he doesn't have to worry about bouncing around anymore, he knows that we're here for him."

Alex Croft