Tayler and Whit

Tayler and Whit always knew they wanted to have children, but they recognized building their family could be challenging due to being members of the LGBTQ+ community. They began researching their options and exploring foster care and adoption. After connecting with the Ennis Center for Children, they decided to become licensed foster parents.

The Hatton’s initial placements taught them about the flexibility needed when providing care. Their first placement lasted six weeks before the child was reunited with family and after a second placement fell through, they felt discouraged. On the same day, they received a call about a medically fragile child who was ready to be discharged from the hospital.

Jackson was born prematurely, addicted to heroin and cocaine. At three months old, he was underweight and needed a feeding tube and heart monitor. “I didn't want to put myself in a situation where I didn't know what I was doing, and then harm the child more because I wasn't prepared,” Whit said. Tayler understood his husband's concern but suggested they visit the baby to understand the care required. They agreed to make a decision after doing so. It was love at first sight. Tayler and Whit stayed at the hospital with Jackson for the weekend and received medical training from the staff. Once they were deemed ready, they took him home.

Caring for a medically fragile newborn came with its challenges, however, the care instruction they received from the hospital staff helped them tremendously. The Hattons adopted Jackson before his first birthday. They decided to close their license while finding their routine with Jackson but just after closing, they were contacted about another little one.

Jackson had a baby brother – Kaden – who needed a home. Kaden was also born addicted to drugs, but he was not considered medically fragile.
Once again, Tayler and Whit had an important decision to make. They connected with the foster care agency overseeing Kaden’s case and began the process of reopening their license. During this time, Kaden stayed with another foster family, but the Hattons visited weekly until they could bring him home. This process went smoothly, and they were able to foster and adopt Kaden.

Today, both children are healthy. Since adopting their boys, Whit had the chance to speak about their journey on a local LGBTQ+ adoption panel. “I've had people come up and say, we didn't think that it was going to be possible to have kids. Seeing how you guys have gone through it has made me feel like I could have kids.”

Tayler encourages those interested in fostering to get started by volunteering to interact with kids and learn about how to relate to them. It provides the opportunity to give back and learn about children from all backgrounds who need homes.

Looking for local mentorship opportunities? We encourage you to explore Mentor Michigan’s available opportunities. Ready to begin your foster care journey? Contact the Foster Care Navigator Program to get started.

Learn about other foster families making a difference.