Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Joseph

Age: 14

"Hi, I'm Joseph, and I love guitars. I'm still learning, but it's one of my favorite things to do. One time when I was practicing, I played the guitar so much I broke the string. I had to go back to the store and buy another guitar string so I could practice some more. I hope to one day teach other people how to play the guitar. I'd really like that."

Joseph, who goes by Joe, is a funny, energetic, active teen! As he stated, playing the guitar is a passion for him, and when Joe gets older, he'd like to teach guitar lessons and play in a rock band. He has a preference for 80s rock music and enjoys both listening to it and playing it. Music is not Joe's only interest, though. He also loves to draw and write. He is creative and a great listener. These wonderful traits help Joe with his writing. He's currently writing a story based on his life. According to Joe's caseworker, writing helps him process what has happened in his life.

Joe is very intelligent and excels academically, with support. He is currently schooled at the facility where he resides, but he is hoping to rejoin the ranks of a public high school in the near future.

Joe has a strong desire to stay connected with his dad. They are very bonded, and while Joe's dad can't be a full time care giver to Joe, it will be important for an adoptive family to appreciate and respect Joe's attachment and loyalty to his father, and to support ongoing contact. Joe also has a strong connection to his aunt, who has been a positive resource for Joe throughout his life. She is interested in Joe's future and would like to continue to have contact with him. It's very important to Joe that he has an adoptive family who is willing to help him maintain these relationships.

This young man would do well in a family who is very active and enjoys staying busy. Joe would ideally like to have a mom, a dad, siblings and a dog -- "a big dog." Joe wants a family who likes sports, camping, fishing or any other outdoor activities. He would prefer to live in the country, but he's OK with living in the city, too. He wants a family who will have rules, but he wants them to be fair. According to Joe, making his bed or watching too much TV shouldn't be a problem. And of course Joe would love a family to support and encourage his passion for playing the guitar.

Joe needs a family who will help him effectively use the coping skills he is learning. Understanding that Joe learns and processes differently than most kids will be critical in the family's ability to help him be successful, and in forming secure attachments to this young man. A family with a sound understanding of early childhood trauma, the effects of alcohol and drug exposure and disrupted attachment would be beneficial. Joe will need many ongoing professional support services to help him reach his full potential. A family that is willing to seek these resources for Joe, and to be a strong advocate for him, will find the most success in parenting this boy.

Joe is looking for a family to provide stability, consistency, support, commitment and love. Offering those things, along with a lot of supervision, guidance and patience, will help prove to Joe his new family will stick by him no matter what.

If you would like to have this funny, caring, sensitive, and compassionate young man in your family, please contact the CareLine for additional information.

Portrait by Matt Green Photography

To find out more about Joseph, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30521.

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