Russell

An engaging boy who loves to talk and has a good sense of humor, Russell is a very talented artist! Russell, who identifies himself as a Christian, likes going to church and would appreciate having a family whose spiritual beliefs are similar to his. Among his favorite pastimes are skateboarding, playing basketball, riding his bike, playing guitar, and making up games that he can play with his other kids. He’s a big fan of action figures, too. Russell enjoys seeing other people happy.

Since coming into foster care for the second time in 2008, Russell’s social skills have grown significantly. He is continuing to work on playing well with others and letting other kids take the lead.

In school, Russell is catching up academically from years of past educational neglect. He’s especially benefitting from participating in a therapeutic day care program which has a classroom component. Russell enjoys math and is quite good in that subject. The areas where he has to really apply himself and have extra supports are in reading and writing. It will be important for his adoptive folks to have a strong educational ethic, provide encouragement and positive reinforcements on the home front, and coordinate behavioral and academic goals with his teachers.

Russell’s needs are met best when placed separately from his six birth siblings. He does, though, have strong bonds and connections with some of his siblings and other members of his biological family, including his birth mother. Russell will be counting on his adoptive folks to help him maintain these significant relationships.

Russell’s case worker especially wants to hear from two parent families. Folks who have already parented and have children already grown or who have one or two socially and emotionally healthy teens still at home could be ideal. Other couples who have had meaningful experience with older children through teaching, counseling, day care, etc. could be good prospective family resources, too.

Having a good grasp of how early neglect and abuse can impact a child’s sense of well being and development would help his adoptive parents understand Russell’s issues. Strong advocacy skills will be an important parental trait, too, in helping to plan for his social, educational, and counseling needs over times. Because Russell is not yet legally free, prospective adoptive families need to be licensed for foster care and have an approved, current adoption homestudy completed.

Russell is available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588.