Jermaine

Jermaine is very likeable and engaging, especially when he has parent(s) and teachers to provide the level of support, oversight, and guidance on the home front and in the classroom that build upon his strengths and help him manage his daily challenges related to fetal alcohol effects. While slender in build and on the small side for his age, Jermaine is high energy, and he loves outdoor activities and family outings. Among his favorite pastimes are riding his bike, playing sports, watching TV, and playing video games. Jermaine has been making some good progress in his interactions with others. Socially, he is most successful with boys who are a bit older than he is. He does, though, benefit greatly from having a caring, attentive adult nearby to patiently redirect him as needed and to assist him with conflict resolution. According to his foster parent, Jermaine is most often honest and forthcoming, but once he starts exaggerating things, truthfulness tends to wander.

Despite his special needs, Jermaine has good intelligence and the ability to express his feelings and thoughts. As with many kids with his special needs, Jermaine is a concrete learner. Having parents and special education teachers who use visual aids routinely help him to navigate his daily life. Structure, clear rules, limits, and consistency, consistency, consistency help him stay on track and to experience his life as predictable and safe.

Jermaine’s mother is enrolled in the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota. Jermaine is registered as Kainaiwa with Indian and Northern Affairs in Canada and is also eligible for membership in the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota. Jermaine is legally free.

While all families will be considered, families with Native American and/or Canadian Native heritage are especially encouraged to inquire. Jermaine’s worker particularly wants to hear from potential adoptive families who have a good grasp of the daily supports needed by children who have neuro-behavioral issues and who have challenging symptoms of attention difficulties, high energy, and impulsiveness. While medication therapy has helped Jermaine to be more attentive and to curb his energy in the past, there are periods of time that he is able to do without medication. He does, though, benefit from medication to help lessen his feelings of anxiety.

It is of the greatest importance for Jermaine to have adoptive parents who will love and cherish him, and who will make sure that he has regular opportunities to feel connected to his Native American heritage. Because Jermaine has had few if any male influences in his life, his worker would love to place him in a family where he would have an involved, nurturing and attentive father or father figure. Older siblings could be a wonderful resource for Jermaine, too. Couples and single dads and moms who have strong support systems of family, friends, and community resources are all encouraged to call 1-800-927-9411.