November is National Adoption Month, and Wheeler celebrates a special family and incredible young person. Carter Pica-Sneeden was adopted by his two loving dads, formerly his Wheeler foster parents, in late 2022.
In early 2023, his dads threw an adoption party to celebrate Carter and welcome him into their family. This is a beautiful tradition that John and Brian Pica-Sneeden have done for all six of their children, each of whom were adopted through foster care.
Pictured in the photo to the right is Carter, who is thriving in college, and Allison Casinghino, Wheeler senior foster care specialist, and one of the social workers who helped match him to John and Brian’s home.
Below the video is a 2020 story about John and Brian and a video of Carter’s foster to adoption story.
"Once they know they're going to be adopted . . . they no longer search for that belonging."
John Pica-Sneeden
John and Brian Pica-Sneeden started their foster care journey nearly 30 years ago. Since then, they have adopted six of their foster children – one as recently as last month! Watch and hear their story below.
“There is a huge need for foster parents and absolutely no reason a child should not be in a home.”
October 20, 2020 -- John and Brian Pica-Sneeden always wanted a large family, and they began fostering children 27 years ago. Since then, they have adopted five of their foster children and recently renewed their license with Wheeler to foster LGBTQ youth.
Recognizing the unique needs of LGBTQ youth based on their own experiences, John and Brian have a vested interest in helping children in this community to grow, thrive, and build healthy, productive lives. They actively encourage other LGBTQ individuals, who are able, to explore becoming a foster parent.
“We want to show LGBTQ children that they can grow up to become successful adults and that they can do anything they set their minds to do. Wheeler is helping us to accomplish this,” said Brian. “The Wheeler team, whom we met through the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber, encouraged us to become foster parents. We know the Wheeler foster care specialists very well. They innately understand what we’re looking to do, and they are supporting us in our goal of helping LGBTQ youth.
“We feel extremely comfortable with the Wheeler team. They are supportive, considerate, and always have our backs when we need help advocating for our foster child,” added Brian.
“Being a foster parent requires dedication and commitment, and it is essential to be in it for the long haul. These children are human beings, and they are not disposable,” said John. “There is a huge need for foster parents and absolutely no reason a child should not be in a home.”
For information about becoming a foster parent, contact our caring team of Foster Care specialists at 860.793.7277, or send an email to Fostercareprograms@wheelerclinic.org.