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/.

Kaden

Age: 6

Portrait and profile provided by NWAE.

Sweet Kaden is a loving and soft-spoken boy with a beautiful smile to share. Polite and mild-mannered as he is, Kaden likes to be active, frolicking outside or his favorite - jumping on the trampoline. He enjoys a trip to a local park to play in the fountain. Like many children, he also enjoys playing computer games. Kaden loves Spiderman and race cars - zooooom! In Kaden's foster home, there are several animals, like cats, chickens and dogs. He really likes spending time with the cats but is still learning how to be gentle. At this time, he doesn't pay much attention to the dogs; and, of course it's harder to play with chickens! Kaden is a friendly kid who plays well with others.

In school, Kaden gets along well with peers and has made several friends. He typically gets along best with children that are his age or older. Last year, Kaden struggled to learn new sounds and had difficulty with spelling. He is re-taking kindergarten with the hope of catching up and solidifying his skills. He will benefit from a family who can invest time and energy in helping him build his academic skills, and who can engage him in enrichment activities. Over time, and with help, he is learning how to pay attention and to harness his extra energy.

Kaden is receiving therapeutic support, which is encouraged to continue for his own benefit, and will also help Kaden and his adoptive family to create a healthier, smoother transition to adoption. There are members of his birth family who he has formed strong bonds with. He is not currently exploring these relationships, but they may be encouraged to continue as he grows and expresses a desire to reach out to them in healthy and appropriate ways. Kaden is legally free to be adopted.

Kaden's behavioral issues have improved with the supports he receives. He is now better able to focus and remain calm when he needs to. The behaviors that he has presently revolve around self-soothing methods. A family who can model healthy behavior and appropriate emotional outlets might provide a positive experience for Kaden. He would benefit from a family who can help him learn about preparing and enjoying food in a secure, fun and comfortable setting. Kaden will need a big investment of time, energy, love and commitment from a family who can be completely available to him. There is a lot of life he has missed out on, and he is still learning about healthy, safe, nurturing family environments.

Regardless of a family's race or culture, Kaden needs a family who can be respectful and supportive of his heritage, helping him to explore it further and maintain a sense of pride for his ethic background. As for any child, it is hoped that Kaden will learn to value people for who they are, not based on their race, culture, ethnicity or religion.

Kaden still struggles to fully understand what adoption means, and what it offers him. He needs a family who can help him develop positive ideas about adoption, and experience the support, structure, and love that being part of a forever family represents. Kaden would do best in a home where he is by far the youngest child so that he can be showered with loving, individualized attention from a very available parent or two. Kaden needs parents who are patient, and who will encourage his participation in physical activities such as sports or playing games. He needs adoptive parents who will show him comfortable physical affection; he loves to get hugs and cuddle on the couch. He could do well with either a single parent or two-parent family, as long as there are positive role models in his life to both inspire him and for him to look up to.

To find out more about Kaden, 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. Kaden are available for adoption through the State of Oregon.

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