William

Gifted and artistic, William loves to draw. Some of his other favorite pastimes are listening to music, playing basketball, watching TV and, of course, playing video games. Currently in eighth grade, William is doing well in the classroom and he is making friends at his new school. He seems to have lots of girl friends.

In his foster home, William is responsible for taking out the trash and keeping his room clean. William is comfortable calling his foster parent, “Mom” and her sister “Grandma.” William enjoys attending church with his foster family, and has even mentioned that he may like to be an usher who greets and seats folks. William seems interested in learning more about religion. While he maintains his faith in God, he would welcome being in an environment where he can ask questions and participate in discussions about religion.

As a young teen, William actually has questions about a lot of things. He wants to be his “own person,” and is going to need parents, especially, who will talk with him in non-judgmental, matter-of-fact ways about different things. He needs to know that his parents want him to be willing to speak openly and truthfully about what he is feeling and what is going on for him.

William really needs regular opportunities to be involved in healthy, pro-social activities where there is abundant adult supervision. He needs frequent opportunities and encouragement, too, to further develop his creative gifts. Having parents who are strong education advocates will be important.

While William clearly needs adoptive parent(s) able to provide unconditional love and acceptance, he also needs parents who can provide the structure, consistency, clear rules, limits, and consequences that help him stay on track. It would be helpful for his adoptive parent(s) to have a very good grasp of how early trauma, neglect, and abuse amidst parental substance abuse can impact a child’s sense of well being and safety, as well as his emotional and behavioral development. William has a lot to bring to a family who can meet his needs. For adoption information call the Northwest Adoption Exchange at 1-800-927-9411.

These are “profiles” only and are not intended to provide the detailed information that a family worker and family require in order to make a placement decision.