Signs Celebrate Family's Love and Adoption of Columbus Teen

The wooden signs on their walls say a lot about Christopher Hoffman and his husband Jake, who will adopt their sixth child from foster care, 17-year-old Adrian, during November’s National Adoption Month.

“All Because Two People Fell in Love,” the sign reads. Another quotes a Disney line: “It’s never too late to live happily ever after.” 

The Hoffmans have taken in 67 youth in foster care over the past 21 years, 64 of those young people through Franklin County Children Services. They've formally adopted 5 of them. 

And the front room of their North Side Columbus home is adorned with photos of each one.

Franklin County Children Services will be celebrating National Adoption Day on Nov. 8 at Franklin County Probate Court. Seven children will finalize their adoptions to six “forever families.” Adrian is one of four teens whose adoptions will be finalized that day.

Adrian is a high school junior on track to graduate with at least two years of college courses already completed. 

He’s lived with “Daddy Chris and Daddy Jake” for almost two years, after entering his third foster placement.

His FCCS adoption caseworker Francisco “Paco” Argondizza said Adrian’s search for a new family really began about five years ago.

“He is a bubbly, fun intelligent young man who is full of energy. Adrian is looking for a family that would be supportive, loving, and caring,” Argondizza wrote in Adrian's online adoption profile.

“I’m not very chatty,” Adrian said shyly. “But I’m a vivid person in my dreams.” 

The quiet teen has taken up art and enjoys his English literature class, the family’s four cats, and a snake named Elvira.

He will be joining two foster brothers who are 8 and 9, 16-year-old brother Colton, and 24-year-old Vlad. Colton was the first adopted into the Hoffman family as a baby.

Adrian likes to play the online video game Fortnite with his brothers.

“He’s actually pretty good with the little ones,” Christopher said. 

Jake, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said he knew early on that he wanted his own sons.  He would encourage anyone considering the foster care life to jump in.

“You have to have an open mind and an open heart. But you have to listen to the kids and not force your ideals on the kids,” he said. “I feel Chris and I are like the combined Peter Pan and all these boys are the Lost Boys.”

“You also have to have rules, but we always laugh from a healing point of view,” Jake continued.

Christopher, who grew up in Mansfield, said his love for children comes from a deeper place.

“My mother was adopted. As I grew up gay, I knew (fostering) was the only way I could have my own family. If they want to live here forever, it’s up to them,” noting that several of their boys have returned as men to thank them or apologize for previous bad behavior.

“Once you’re in the Hoffman tribe, you are always in it.” Jake said.

Thinking about adoption for your family?

The FCCS Adoption Team has made it easier for families to virtually meet some of the children seeking a permanent home. Profiles of the teens approved for adoption here in Franklin County - and more information for families who want to consider becoming adoptive parents - can be found on the FCCS website at www.fccs.us/adoption. You can also learn about becoming a foster parent by calling 614-275-2711.

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