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/.

Cheyenne

Age: 13

Portrait and profile provided by NWAE.

Imaginative and creative, talented Cheyenne is excited and eager to find her forever family! Cheyenne has a wonderful and expansive imagination. This creative side of her has her telling and writing all sorts of stories. Cheyenne loves to also write and sing songs (she has a great voice!), play the piano, do crafts, go to church, and play basketball or run track. Cheyenne adores reading and is currently reading a book series about cats, which she loves to talk about. Cheyenne is an active young lady and would do well with an equally active family that is involved in the community and likes to stay busy.

Cheyenne has experienced a lot of traumatic loss in her life. While she is now living in Oregon, her roots actually lie in Oklahoma. There is a great deal of Cheyenne' past that is unknown. However, it is suspected that she experienced a lot of turmoil, neglect, and possible abuse as a young child.

The effects of the many changes and losses that Cheyenne experienced in the past have caused her to fall behind academically. However, Cheyenne has made great strides in school and has achieved some amazing progress. She attends mainstream classrooms and is in grade-level appropriate classes for all of her subjects, with the exception of math, where she receives extra support. In her state and district testing, she actually surpasses her grade level in reading and enjoys books and reads at an amazing level for her age. Cheyenne's prospective family will need to work closely with the school and with community providers to make sure that she is receiving the support services she needs and deserves.

Cheyenne has one brother, James and no other known relatives to maintain a relationship with. James and Cheyenne are very close and bonded. Being the older of the two, James has been a great big brother and is very patient with Cheyenne, and Cheyenne feels very bonded to her brother. It is now the plan that these two will find separate adoptive placements, but that are relatively close together in proximity so that they can continue to remain connected. There are also several natural supports that Cheyenne has developed connections with, who would be beneficial for her to remain in contact with as much as it is possible and continues to be appropriate. Cheyenne is legally free to be adopted.

Cheyenne does have some needs that require extra support. Some of the behavioral concerns that she has exhibited at one time or another include a variety of forms of acting out or other behaviors that require support, guidance and individualized attention from a caregiver. It is believed that with the right family, continued services, commitment, and guidance, Cheyenne has the potential to really thrive and improve in so many of these areas. Cheyenne has been through so much since entering care; she simply needs to be given an authentic chance by a family - a family that will not give up on her. Cheyenne would benefit from ongoing therapy and services once she is placed in her adoptive home.

The ideal family for Cheyenne will be ready to shower her with love and attention, and to indulge her creativity and interests with many opportunities and outlets.

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

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