From foster care to family: The Goliaths' special Christmas story

After a six-year journey through fostering, court processes, and lengthy delays, Westridge couple, Hayley and Etienne Goliath, will celebrate their first Christmas as the official legal parents of their adopted son, Judah Goliath, 7.

“This is a very special Christmas for us,” Mr Goliath said. “Judah’s adoption is now official, and it feels as if he has always been ours.

"We had to surrender his birth certificate and update his details, and it’s truly a fantastic gift.

"Christmas in our home has changed—it’s our 24th Christmas in Westridge, but this year it feels even more meaningful. We hope to encourage others and support organisations that have the capacity to give love and a home to children in need.”

The couple’s path to parenthood began after realising that having biological children might not be part of their story. That led them to foster care.

Describing their first experience, the couple cared for Mical Bugamo, a foster child whose stay was cut short when she was deported back to Congo.

They described the experience as traumatic, stating it took five years before they felt ready to begin the fostering process again.

That next step led them to Hannah’s Place of Safety in Westridge, where they met with CEO Janine Fabe.

The Goliaths said they were clear about their intention to care for a child without parents and went through interviews and assessments.

Within three to four months, they were told about a young boy placed at Baitul Ansaar in Beacon Valley. They met him in October 2019.

Mr Goliath recalled their first meeting vividly. “Once he was here, he was the boss. He was already a year old and could fend for himself. The adjustment was not a problem at all.”

Ms Goliath said the initial bonding moments were closely observed.

“I fed him, cleaned him, and he fell asleep on my shoulder,” she said.

These interactions, she explained, were an important part of the social worker’s assessment to see how the child attached to a mother figure and whether she was able to cope with caring for a fostered child.

Ms Fabe said: “I work with many social workers and received a call looking for a home for a little boy placed at Baitul Ansaar. They wanted to know if I knew of a suitable family. At that time, no one was interested.

"I connected with Hayley, and she immediately wanted to meet him. The social worker, Judah, and Hayley met, and she said he was perfect. They love him, and he was going to be their child," she said.

"They went through the fostering journey, and it’s wonderful news that they have made it thus far. Thank you to them for opening up their hearts and home to a child in desperate need of a family. He now has a beautiful, thriving life. My hope and prayer is that more people would live selflessly and open their hearts and homes,” said Ms Fabe.

Judah remained with them while they navigated ongoing court appearances and repeated paperwork renewals, as foster care placements must be reviewed every two years.

The adoption process stretched on longer than expected, moving through private and public channels. The Covid-19 pandemic forced them to reapply, adding further delays.

One of the most stressful moments came when the family planned a cruise to Namibia. It was crucial for the Goliaths that their son travel with them, but securing a passport for a child who was not yet legally theirs seemed nearly impossible.

After months of effort and constant follow-ups, Judah’s passport was issued just one day before their departure. “We stood in the lounge and prayed together and really trusted God,” Ms Goliath said.

Along the way, the couple also cared for other children, including two boys from Zimbabwe who lived with them for 11 months.

Mr Goliath believes adoption should be more openly embraced. “There are so many children who need homes,” he said.

Judah is comfortable with his adoption story and has shared it with his teachers and friends, many of whom are also adopted. He enjoys swimming and fitness, and Mr Goliath said he is currently exploring parkour, while Ms Goliath shared that Judah says he wants to be a personal trainer too.

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.

Mr Goliath's gift this Christmas was something more valuable than money could buy. "Being called ‘daddy’ and being part of his life is the most rewarding thing.”