Derek

“My name is Derek and I like to make people laugh! I like drawing, paper origami, basketball (especially the Utah Jazz!) being outdoors, and riding on just about anything with wheels ? dirt bikes, skateboards, 4-wheelers, bikes and scooters. I also like baseball and think I?m a good pitcher.”

“I want a family who will treat me nice and will help me to make good choices. I want a house with lots of rooms to play and a place where I can play outside. I really want a family that will let me stay in touch with my birth family. Because this is really important to me, I need to stay in Idaho, or close enough to visit a lot.?

“I love animals of all kinds and hope to have a pet one day. I love to go to the zoo, especially if they have cotton candy there. I love candy, but my other favorite foods are flaming hot Cheetos, and Mt. Dew! I pretty much like any spicy food.”

Derek is a fun-loving, social, humorous child. He provides lots of entertainment for others and would bring laughter to a like-minded family.

Derek is currently placed in therapeutic setting where he receives assistance in the areas of social skills and thinking ahead, getting along with peers, following rules, and impulse control. Derek is very likeable and is described as easy to please, enjoying most activities. He absolutely beams when praised and acknowledged, so parenting with positive rewards will be important. A family who is very active, patient, nurturing, accepting, and has very good listening skills (because Derek is a talker!) will be a must for this young man.

Derek responds very well to animals. Animals would be very helpful in aiding in a transition into an adoptive home and managing his behavior on a daily basis.

Derek needs an experienced family who can provide structure and supervision, while being flexible enough to know what Derek needs and how to meet those needs. He needs a family that will follow through with promises as well as consequences.

Folks who understand and honor his love for his biological family members who live in southern Idaho could overcome Derek’s worries that adoption might separate him permanently from safe loved ones. Could you provide communication routes and visits to these people for Derek’s sake? These ties to his extended family are crucial to identity formation and an ability to bond with his new family.

Derek responds very well to physical nurturing. A parent who can give this to him will help Derek to feel safe. Derek is waiting to bring his warmth and laughter into a home that has a balance of love and boundaries. He has been waiting a very long time for the right family. Call the CareLine today if you think you are that home Derek has been waiting for.

To find out more about Derek, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30267.