The vicious cycle has been broken. A couple from our region took in two brothers so they would not grow up in care facilities

At the end of 2025, the family court decided to limit the parental rights of a mother from our region. The reasons? Her husband’s addiction, terrible living conditions and arguments. Twelve-year-old Kamil was placed in a care facility. What would have been a blow for many became an impulse to act for his half-sister, Anna (name changed).

“My partner and I knew that things were not good at home. We tried to help, but we did not know the full extent of the problem. When the ruling was issued, I knew one thing: I would not allow my brother to grow up in a care facility,” says the woman, who has been building a life with her partner for 16 years.

The decision was made swiftly. Kamil moved in with his sister and her partner. But fate had another challenge in store for them.

“Adaś came to us emotionally and intellectually neglected”

In January 2026, the situation repeated itself. Anna’s younger sister, struggling with mental health problems and the effects of years of neglect, lost custody of her 7-year-old son, Adaś. Thanks to an efficient intervention and cooperation with the court, the boy also went to live with his older sister.

From one day to the next, the couple, who had previously led a stable, well-organized life, became the caregivers of two children carrying an enormous burden of difficult experiences.

“Adaś was withdrawn, behind with his schoolwork and lacked basic habits. Kamil carried tension inside him and was afraid of what the next day would bring,” Anna reports.

Love, patience and consistent work

As she says, predictability and consistency proved to be the key. They introduced strict routines that give the children a sense of security. They spend evenings together doing homework and talking. Weekends are devoted to rebuilding bonds and shared activities.

“It required enormous reserves of patience. But today, after several months, I can see the results,” the woman says.

Adaś, she adds, has changed from a shy, withdrawn boy into a cheerful and ambitious student who proudly shows his achievements. Kamil has regained his calm and sense of security. At last, he can focus on his studies and develop his interests without fear of tomorrow.

This is the story of a foster family. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, contact Powiatowym Centrum Pomocy Rodzinie w Bolesławcu.