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/.

Danny

Age: 10

Portrait and profile provided by Northwest Adoption Exchange

Danny is a kindhearted, easygoing boy who gets along with others. A happy child with a great imagination, Danny likes playing with trains, taking nature walks, and camping. Quite the young performer, he plays the piano and enjoys singing and acting too! Danny is fairly easy to please and finds enjoyment in most things. While he plays well with other kids, he is just as content to entertain himself with no problems. He is an adorable and forthright kid.

In school, Danny does well in a small special education classroom setting. He enjoys class, but needs a little extra push and gentle encouragement when he's learning to do something new or challenging for him. He is affected by significant cognitive and developmental delays that cause him to be behind grade level. Danny's emotional and cognitive functioning is more at the level of a five-year old.

Danny is a pleasure to parent, but preparing a schedule that he can grasp and follow can be helpful in promoting his self-sufficiency. Consistent reminders and support around daily routines like tying his shoes, getting dressed and performing self-care tasks help Danny process his day. Danny will need ongoing patience and encouragement from loving parents. He will benefit from parents who will advocate long term for his special needs and ensure he has access and participates in services that benefit him and help him reach his full potential into and beyond adulthood.

There are no major health concerns related to Danny, though he does wear corrective lenses that help his eyes align properly, and performs regular strengthening eye exercises. Because he has a hard time falling asleep, his foster parents use a natural supplement to help him find sound slumber, and he sleeps through the night with no issues.

Danny has an inconsistent relationship with members of his birth family, but has expressed an interest in maintaining ongoing contact with some of them. Adoptive parents will need to be open to the option of initiating and sustaining some form of appropriate contact in the future. Because Danny is not yet legally free, prospective adoptive families making an inquiry need to be licensed for foster care and have an adoption homestudy already approved and ready to be forwarded by the family's adoption worker to his Oregon state caseworker for review and evaluation.

Danny is a flexible and go-with-the-flow child who will do well with most family make-ups, provided they have the time and attention to devote to Danny's special needs. Danny is a really sweet boy with a great personality. He will brighten your day with his delight in the simple things in life.

To find out more about Danny, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. Danny is available for adoption through the State of Oregon.

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