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/.

Jacklyn

Age: 15

Jacklyn's foster mom describes her as "very sweet and loving. She has a way of seeing beauty in everything. The way she views the world is so different--she helps bring that out in others. I love her strength. If I had to endure even 10 percent of what she has, I'm not sure I could. It has caused Jacklyn a lot of anxiety to be sure, but she has coped in her own ways. I have learned to love her in a firm and gentle way because I understand how far she's come."

"Hey, I'm Jacklyn. I love animals; cats, dogs, all kinds of animals. I have kind of a gift. Mostly they love me--except I stay away from the ones that want to attack.

If you were to ask my best friend to describe me, she would tell you 'She's my BFF and we're actually like twins. We're both picky eaters, we both like animals, we both love to play video games, we're both not all the way mature yet because we like to pretend we're animals.' (laughter)

My favorite subject in school is Math. It's quite easy actually. I always get A's in that subject, but the others, not so much. My favorite things to do after school are playing videogames like Pokemon and Digimon, and I love to read. I liked the Harry Potter books, but not the movies because they left a lot of things out that were in the books. I love to get food and ice cream and Chinese food with my foster mom. And I love watermelon and chocolate and ice cream.

Someday, when I'm an adult, I'm going to adopt children. I love my foster mom. When she's stressed, I massage her shoulders and she relaxes.

I would want families to know that it's important to me that I stay in touch with my friend and with my foster family. I hope they will let me have my friend over and maybe go visit her for a couple of hours."

Jacklyn's social worker said, "I love how inquisitive she is. She loves to explore bugs and animals and everything around her. She is very smart. She's not shy and doesn't care what other people think about her. She needs someone, either a single person or couple, who will just love her and appreciate how unique she is. She is happy watching TV next to somebody who cares about her or reading a book or whatever, just as long as she's with someone she loves. The simplest things make her so happy! She loves rocks and bugs and just exploring out in the yard. Animals love Jacklyn. There was a cat that had many mats in her coat. But she just sat there and let Jacklyn comb them out."

Jacklyn struggles with studies at school--mostly just maintaining focus and motivation to do the work. She is on an IEP and she is enrolled in the Excel Program for 10th grade. She needs a parent or couple that's prepared to work with her day-to-day, helping her build social skills, keeping her safe and helping her complete her homework.

Jacklyn's foster mom has a special brand of unconditional love that helps this young woman thrive. And Jacklyn makes her laugh. She loves to crack jokes with her mom and make faces and noises. Alongside that humor, Jacklyn also needs a guardian or adoptive parent who will be vigilant about keeping her safe and really just love and accept her as she is. Her parent(s) must be able to access multiple services within the community--very important. The adoption team will be looking for a family that is willing to become a guardian if Jacklyn is not ready yet to trust in adoption. She has experienced deep disappointments and losses. Currently, legal risk exists, meaning termination of parental rights has not yet occurred. As a parent builds on Jacklyn's many strengths and her resiliency, they can help her believe in something that lasts.

Portrait by Barb from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Jacklyn, foster care or adoption, email the Idaho CareLine (please include your city and zip code) or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30536.

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