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/.

Benjamin & Angelina

Age: 10-9

Portrait and profile provided by NWAE.

Benjamin and Angelina live together. They have a very close relationship and it is important that they remain together when placed with a new family.

Benjamin is very sensitive and loving. He loves to sing (with a very good pitch) and dance. He is very athletic and he practices martial arts with a purple belt in Kung Fu. He is quick to laugh and is generous with his affection, and he is conversational. He likes to ride his bike. He makes friends easily and is well liked at school. He is an active and playful little boy who enjoys spending time outside playing with neighborhood friends. Benjamin's favorites include: Favorite book - Diary of a Wimpy Kid; Favorite Toy - Leapster; Favorite TV show - The Simpsons.

Angelina (aka "Lina") is very bright, outgoing, and she relates well to adults as well as children. She is well spoken and articulate. She reads above grade level. She likes "fashion" and she has her own style. Angelina is a big fan of the color pink, sequins, sparkles and glamour. She is independent. She takes gymnastics and she likes to ride her bike. She loves animals, especially dogs. One of Angelina's wishes is to have a dog of her own someday. Angelina's favorite things include: Favorite book - Junie B. Jones; Favorite Toy - stuffed dogs; Favorite food - watermelon; Favorite TV show - The Middle.

Benjamin and Angelina both have good general health. They are both well nourished and well developed and have no known significant medical issues or physical challenges.

Benjamin is at grade level and thrives in math and enjoys kids club after school. He can be easily distracted and has a Behavior Support Plan in place at school to support him and his teachers.

Angelina is at grade level, and excels in reading. She does not have an IEP and has no school behavioral reports in the past year. She exhibits great leadership skills and is making great academic progress.

Benjamin and Angelina are very close and have an obvious, strong bond. They play well together, whether its 'house' or 'kitchen' or chess. While they can struggle at times, it is primarily positive. Benjamin and Angelina also have extremely important and close relationships with relatives that they will need to maintain, including an older sister. Angelina and Benjamin are legally free for adoption.

Both children talk fondly of their friends. Benjamin 'misses' them when he is unable to attend practices or after school club. Angelina talks about her friends being very close to her and that she likes to stay at their houses.

Benjamin has lots of energy and has moderate attention and focusing issues. He struggles to remain still for long periods of time unless he is watching TV or playing with electronics. He also presents with symptoms of past trauma and stress. He often focuses on 'right and wrong' and has difficulty transitioning from one activity to another. This can be managed by giving Benjamin time to process and encourage him to join others in changing activities. He likes a 're-entry- activity when the transition fails, for example, talking to someone about what happened, getting a drink of water, looking at a book.

Angelina gets along with her peers and children at school enjoy her. She can be quick tempered, but has the ability to gain control in a short amount of time. She does present with some reactions to past stress and trauma which she expresses with more physical-type behaviors and tantrums, especially when she does not get her way. Calming-down time helps, in addition to knowing that her caregiver is there for her in a time of need and confidence that they can calmly and effectively manage her concerns. Angelina responds well when firm limit setting is balanced with affection, warmth and nurturing.

Benjamin and Angelina are like children of all races, ethnicities and cultures in that they need support from their family and loved ones to learn to have positive thoughts about their origins, whether or not their adoptive family shares the same race or ethnicity. Both Benjamin and Angelina are doing well, but their progress will be supported by an adoptive family that is encouraging, patient and positive. They need stability and constancy in their lives. And, of course, hopefully a dog!

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

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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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