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/.

Hope

Age: 14

Hope is another name for expectation or desire. That is something this pretty teen with curly hair as bright as a new copper penny carries in her heart. She has hope that she will soon be in a family that could build her trust and help her move past the hard times she has survived. Though she sometimes struggles with emotions related to the past, she is a genuinely sweet and likeable girl who goes with the flow in life.

Hope enjoys watching Disney and other animated movies, playing on the Wii, and talking with friends. When her expressive eyes light up with laughter and her dimples appear, you know you are accepted as someone she trusts.

"I love to sing to all different kinds of songs. And I like to dance. People who know me would probably say I'm sweet and nice and someone who is a good friend. When someone is feeling down, I ask them what's going on and listen to them. I've been through a lot in my own life, and I understand it can be tough sometimes.

I like to do crafts and color and draw. I enjoy going for walks and being outdoors. I like swimming and doing lots of things at the YMCA. And I love bowling!"

Hope's exuberance peeks out when she is comfortable and doesn't feel she has to decode a situation or people's intentions. When she is celebrating a bowling strike or other accomplishment, she radiates self-confidence. Within a family that accepts her as she is, Hope could have many of those moments of unbridled joy--and she deserves them.

Hope's adoption team would love to see her happy, safe and accepted in a family where she is the youngest or only child and has lots of attention. According to her caseworker, she would do best in a calm, structured family where there is a reliable routine and clear expectations. Hope would do well with a parent who has the skills and knowledge of parenting a teen with challenges related to past trauma, as well as cognitive challenges. Her family will need to access IEPs and other educational resources. That type of strong, but kind and caring caregiver could be a single mom or a stable, mature couple.

It will also be important that Hope's parent(s) enjoy many of the same things she loves to do.

"I like to help in the kitchen and I like doing things like painting nails and braiding hair. I would like a mom who would do those things with me. And I would like a parent that likes to go camping, fishing and hiking. I also like playing games together or watching a movie."

When asked what a parent could do to help her in situations when she becomes frustrated and struggles emotionally, Hope said, "I need someone who gives me space and helps me take the time I need alone to calm down. Like suggesting that I go to my room to think things over and talk about it later when I'm calm."

Hope has a special adoption caseworker that meets with her often in order to help her stay connected to people who are important to her, like her brother. She needs a family who is willing to support and help her maintain ongoing contact with him.

Hope has stated, "I want a family who understands me and understands what I've been through." She would like a family who is willing to accept her in all areas of her life; this includes her past, future, and present. She has gone through some very significant and difficult changes over the past couple of years. She needs stability and a family who is willing to commit to her and stand by her side along any obstacles she may face.

If you have a current home study or are in that process, call the Idaho CareLine at 2-1-1 and ask to speak to Hope's caseworker, Brenda. She can answer many of your questions about the parenting skills you may already possess that could help this special teen achieve her hopes and dreams.

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Hope, 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: 30527.

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