After six years of fostering, court processes, and repeated delays, the Westridge couple, Hayley and Etienne Goliath, have officially adopted their son, Judah Goliath, 7.
“Judah’s adoption is now official, and it feels as if he has always been ours,” Mr Goliath said.
“We had to surrender his birth certificate and update his details, and it’s truly a fantastic moment for our family.”
The couple’s path to parenthood began when they realised having biological children might not be part of their story, leading them to foster care.
Their first fostering experience was with Mical Bugamo, who had to return to Congo, a situation the couple described as traumatic. It took five years before they felt ready to foster again.
Their next step brought them to Hannah’s Place of Safety in Westridge, where CEO Janine Fabe introduced them to a young boy placed at Baitul Ansaar in Beacon Valley. They met Judah in October 2019.
“Once he was with us, he was the boss. He was already a year old and could fend for himself. The adjustment was not a problem at all,” Mr Goliath recalled.
Ms Goliath described their early bonding moments: “I fed him, cleaned him, and he fell asleep on my shoulder. These interactions were closely observed to ensure he attached well and that I could cope with caring for a fostered child.”
Ms Fabe said, “I connected with Hayley, and she immediately wanted to meet him. They went through the fostering journey, and it’s wonderful news that they have made it this far. Thank you to them for opening their hearts and home to a child in desperate need of a family.”
Judah remained with the couple while they navigated ongoing court appearances and paperwork renewals, which are required every two years in foster care. The adoption process took longer than expected, with Covid-19 forcing them to reapply, adding further delays.
One stressful moment came when securing Judah’s passport for a family trip seemed nearly impossible. It was issued just one day before their departure.
Along the way, the Goliaths also cared for two boys from Zimbabwe for 11 months. Mr Goliath believes adoption should be more openly embraced. “There are so many children who need homes,” he said.
Judah is thriving, enjoys swimming and fitness. As the adoption was finalised, Judah’s name officially became Judah Athandwe Goliath. “It’s now in the system as if he were always ours,” Mr Goliath said.
“Being called ‘daddy’ and being part of his life is the most rewarding thing,” Mr Goliath said.
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