Window on the Clearwater
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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/.

Alexas

Age: 12

Meet Alexas, a young woman who yearns for a family of her own. She especially wants a mom who shares her love of feminine things.

"Hi, my name is Alexas. I'm both an indoor and outdoor girl. I like dressing up, doing nails and hair and being feminine. I also like being...not dressed up. I like watching Netflix movies, playing games and reading. I love to read science fiction and fantasy books like Harry Potter. I also like PE at school, playing soccer, going on hikes and just about anything outdoors.

I love animals. I would like to have my own kitten someday or a family cat or dog. I would play with it, feed it and clean up after it. I would love to have it sleep with me.

When I think about what kind of family I might feel safe in, it could be a single mom or a couple. A mom could do things with me like shopping and getting fingernails and hair done. A dad...that's harder to describe, because I don't really know. I haven't had a real father in my life. If I did, he could help me by keeping me safe and being trustworthy. Anyway, a parent would need to understand what I've been through and be patient with me. I've made progress and I have a lot more things to work on."

Alexas' social worker says she has a good heart, is genuinely endearing and cares for others. She's proud of the progress Alexas has made and of the young woman she is becoming.

Alexas thrives on praise, affection and positive reinforcement. An adoptive parent could help her develop ways to cope with every-day situations that lead to hurt feelings and frustration. An experienced or skilled parent, well-prepared with knowledge of trauma-based healing, could also be a strong advocate for her in maintaining and surpassing the gains she has made. That will mean accessing professional services and community resources, including educational supports.

The adoption team will be looking for a family with a consistent routine and fair rules, especially those that help Alexas with self-regulation. This young woman would not do well in a home that is either too permissive or too rigid. Power struggles can be managed by offering Alexas choices and time to process. Alexas needs a parent who will help her realize she doesn't have to be perfect. She is happiest when she does things well and not so happy when she makes mistakes. In a family where she is the only child or with much older siblings who are committed as good role models, Alexas could learn to be accepting of others as well as herself. Life could be fun and fulfilling with this lovely young woman who is discovering she enjoys being a girl!

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Alexas, 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: 30400.

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Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544

Telephone:
Orofino 476-0733
Fax: 208-476-4140

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