Jameka Sayles was raised by a foster parent and has always understood the importance of that role. As a way to pay it forward, she knew she would help to support children that needed a home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Haven teacher heard a commercial on the radio advertising the need for foster parents, and, after a long process, became one herself. According to FosterUSKids, nearly 400, 000 children are in the U. S. foster care system and 3, 488 in Connecticut. “I became a foster parent with the intention of reunification,” Sayles said. “I never wanted to adopt. I wanted to help families just like someone did for my mother. However, I told social workers that if the opportunity presented itself, I’d adopt.” The opportunity has arrived. Sayles will official adopt two sisters she has fostered for nearly four years, 4-year-old Jalayiah and 3-year old A’Londra, as part of Connecticut Adoption Day on Friday. Jalayiah has been in the care of Sayles since she was 11 months old, and A’Londra since she was just 4 days old. The girls will take Sayles’ name as part of the adoption hearing on Friday at the New Haven Superior Court for Juvenile Matters. Sayles said she bonded with both children early in the process. Sayles said Jalayiah had been through some things in her life and there was a lot of crying in the first few days before settling in her new foster home. A’Londra was just a newborn when she arrived at Sayles’ home and was “sweet, easy and chill” and would only cry when she was hungry or getting her vaccines, according to Sayles. “She was a wonderful baby, and she made me want to have 10 more,” Sayles said, with a laugh. “They are very much individuals, but they are both the same in many ways, almost like twins,” Sayles said. “They do a lot of things together. They go to school together and play with their dolls and go to daycare. They have a book club and they are learning how to read. Outside of school, they take dance, ballet and jazz.” Sayles also added that both girls love splash pads in the summer and waterparks, including their favorite, Great Wolf Lodge. Sayles, 47, has worked at Betsy Ross Arts & Design Academy School for the last 25 years. For 20 years she was a social studies then English teacher and for last five years, she has been an instructional coach. She said she never imagined herself being pregnant or being a biological mother but always had a love for children. At 8 years old, Sayles remembers helping her aunt with her two infant twins. “At that young age I was changing diapers,” Sayles said. “I always had that love for kids and babies. In church or other places, kids were always drawn to me. That’s why I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was very young.” Sayles said she wanted to become a foster parent because when her grandmother passed away, she was forced into foster care. “My foster parent raised me and my brother, and I want to pay it forward,” Sayles said. “Someone was there for me at that time and poured so much into me and I want to give that back to others.” Shanda Roberts, a permanency social worker with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families has gotten to know Sayles as her assigned social worker. “During that time, I have seen her consistently show dedication, stability and compassion,” Roberts said. “This adoption has been in progress for 16 months and throughout the entire process she has remained patient, committed and fully invested in the well-being of the girls.” Roberts has regular contact with Sayles, including home visits, phone communications and meetings regarding the children’s needs. “Throughout our interactions she has always been cooperative, prepared and highly engaged,” Roberts said. “She always presents as responsible, thoughtful and child-centered in every decision she makes. She listens carefully, asks appropriate questions and follows through on every requirement set by the department. My impression is that she is a nurturing and dependable caregiver who truly understands the needs of the children in her care.” Roberts said she has observed a strong connection between Sayles and the two girls. “The bond between them is strong, natural and rooted in love and trust. She took the time to learn their individual personalities and respects their shared bond as sisters. The girls respond well to her affection and guidance. It is clear that they feel safe, valued and loved in her care,” Roberts said. Roberts said it was extremely rewarding to see the adoption reach a successful conclusion. “The girls now have a permanent home, and Ms. Sayles has two daughters who enrich her life. Having the privilege to guide this adoption to its conclusion has been both meaningful and uplifting,” Roberts said. Roberts said other potential adoptive parents can learn from Sayles’ patience, commitment and willingness to fully engage in the process as well as her flexibility, open communication and willingness to learn and understand the girls’ history and emotional needs. She also commended Sayles’ dedication of keeping the sisters together and honoring their bond. “She has fully demonstrated how consistency, empathy and perseverance can create a stable and supportive environment for children who have experienced trauma and uncertainty,” Roberts said. “Ms. Sayles has showered them with unconditional love and patience. The girls are truly fortunate to have her as their mother.”.
https://www.courant.com/2025/11/21/ct-teacher-who-was-once-a-loved-foster-child-is-paying-it-forward-with-adoption-of-two-sisters/
A CT teacher was once a loved foster child. How her love for two sisters is creating a family.
