Welcome Home at Last! Burrus: Family of 11!

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

In October of 2017, four children were removed from the custody of their biological parents and placed into foster care. Jay, Elijah, Khloe and Sam began their journey through the foster care system, not knowing what their fate would be. In the United States, approximately 75 percent of children that enter the foster care system are placed separately from their siblings due to a lack of resources, such as homes that can accommodate more than one child. The foster system can be a daunting place for four young siblings, but they had no way of knowing what blessings lay ahead.
Kendra Burrus and her daughter Reagan discussed the idea of becoming a foster family and introduced the idea to her husband, Derrick. After a family discussion on the matter, the family agreed in unison that it would be a great idea, and began the process that would enable them to open their home to a foster child. The couple already had two children of their own; Reagan, age 12, and Ben, age 10. They attended the required classes, and got approved as a foster home.
Just three short days after being licensed, the Burrus family received a call. They were asked if they would be able to take in a group of four siblings. This would be the children's third foster home since being removed from their parents, who were incarcerated at the time. The youngest, Sam, was only six and a half months old, and had been in foster care since birth. The Burrus family was informed that the placing of the children was to be temporary, while some family members in another state pursued adoption.
Finally the day came for the Burrus' to meet their new guests. Arrangements were made to meet the children at a restaurant on a Thursday in June of 2020. Ben and Jay, nicknamed Junior, hit it off right away. Being the two closest in age, they eagerly looked forward to all the things they would do together. Jay, age nine, Elijah, age six, Khloe, age five, and little Sam, age one, moved in the next day. Two weeks later, the family got some disappointing news, when they learned that the family members who had hoped to adopt the children were not approved, and there were no other family members willing or able to take all four siblings. Kendra and Derrick realized that the living arrangement may not be so temporary after all. But something amazing was just around the corner.
In just a few short weeks, the dynamic in the home shifted. The children went from calling their foster parents “Miss Kendra” and “Mr. Derrick” to “Mom” and “Dad.” Just like that, they all seemed to be transitioning naturally into a family. It wasn't long before adoption became the goal, just six months after taking them in as foster children. They say when you know, you know. After a few minor delays, the Burrus family officially welcomed all four children into their family to stay. The official adoption was finalized on Aug. 19, just 14 months after the four siblings came to live with the Burrus family.
Life is good for the Burrus'. Derrick is the Pastor of Capital Heights Baptist Church and also serves his community as the Jefferson County Fire Chief. His wife teaches high school students at Brookwood School. Together, the Burrus' and their six children enjoy going to church, boating, camping, Disney, alligator hunting, fishing and the beach.
In addition to their two younger biological children, Kendra and Derrick also have three grown sons, who have moved out of the house, but are local. Derrick's mother lives next door, and Kendra's parents live nearby, giving ample opportunity for all of the Burrus children to have time with their new grandparents, who enjoy spending time with them.
While the transition from having two children in the home to having six was a major adjustment, the Burrus' continue to work through the challenges with the support of their family, friends, church and counselors. Merging two families is no small task, as the children came from a life of insecurity and chaos, which is not easy to overcome. Their new parents know that structure, routine and consistency are as imperative to the children's wellbeing as love and patience, and Derrick and Kendra are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
The Burrus family has dedicated themselves to the new members of their home. They know the importance of patience and compassion, and want others to understand the gravity of the plight of displaced children. Children that find themselves in foster care are there due to some inability of their biological parents to care for them. That may be drugs, violence, abuse, neglect or some other situation, such as incarceration. These children are likely not coming from homes that are safe and full of love and attention. Children in such situations may have been serving in the parenting role for younger siblings and could have trouble surrendering that role to responsible adults. It takes time for them to feel safe and let down their guards. They may be resentful for being removed from their family, and may not understand what their parents did to cause the removal. All of these topics are covered in the foster parent training.
If you are interested in learning more about foster care, there is a definite need in Jefferson County. You have the power to change a child's story. There are many ways to help if you are unable to foster full-time. Online classes begin again on Sept. 21. You can contact Calyn Stringer with NWF Health Network at (850) 264-6713, or for more information email: calyn.stringer@nwfhealth.org.