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/.

Antony

Ages: 9

Antony is an intelligent, empathetic youngster with beautiful light brown eyes that sparkle when he smiles. He has an excellent sense of humor and enjoys playing with superhero action figures - especially Batman. He is very skilled at video games and likes teaching the adults in his life how to play. Antony is an amazing runner and he delights in this sport. His polite manners and sweetness make it very easy to be immediately drawn to him. Antony is trying so hard to adjust to the many changes and uncertainties in his life.

Antony is an exceptionally bright child who really enjoys learning and attending school. While he has attended both mainstream and modified classrooms, it's clear that he learns better when he has access to supports and accommodations in class. He needs services that will provide him a high level of individualized attention, along with positive feedback and reflection. Currently, Antony is accessing classroom supports that include academic skill building, one-on-one support as necessary, and opportunities for case management. Antony does well with reminders to recognize the progress he has made and support his self-praise. Access to sensory tools such as earphones and play dough help him maintain focus at school.

Antony has been through a lot but he has shown incredible resilience. He would thrive in a loving and supportive family that is able to set clear limits and expectations immediately upon his entry to the family. Antony is very independent and intelligent and is quick to argue his point; therefore, he needs to feel that he has an ability to draw on his parents' intelligence and expertise. Structure and expectations need to be reinforced, consistent feedback should be immediate, both positive and corrective. This should be done in a calm yet firm manner, with follow through. Antony needs a family that has realistic expectations of him and has support and the ability to implement a plan of action for how to work with Antony.

Antony would do best in a two-parent home, so that he can turn to either parent for help with problem solving and relationship building. In his home, it should always be an expectation that Antony repair any relationship with adults that he may have had a negative interaction with. This step is crucial in Antony understanding how to interact positively in a family environment.

Antony has a number of birth family connections, including a sibling who is being raised separately, who he has a strong bond with. Prospective adoptive parents are encouraged to consider their ability to foster these connections as Antony grows, as they are relationships that are essential for him. Antony's current caregivers have been extremely supportive and nurturing to Antony. It would be beneficial for him to maintain some contact with the family as well as his current therapist, with whom he has become much attached. Maintaining these connections will also likely help to ease his transition into an adoptive home. Antony is legally free to be adopted.

Antony is both African American and Caucasian. Families of any racial background able to help him develop a positive self-concept that includes feeling able to talk about his own racial and cultural identity are being sought for Antony.

The adults in Antony's life should be calm but firm and be able to meet him at his level, assuring him that he is cared for and safe, and also providing clear expectations and boundaries for his behavior. Adoptive parents will need a supportive network around them with the ability to provide respite opportunities and moments in order to help ensure that Antony is surrounded by calm, patient, tolerant adults who are unfazed and who do not "burn out" quickly by challenges. A couple with a very solid partnership, able to trade off tasks, and/or family with other adults or grown adult children in the home would be best at supporting Antony and each other. Parents for Antony will need to have a strong understanding of childhood trauma and the effects it can have on children as they grow and mature.

Antony requires parents with flexible schedules, patience and at least one strong male parent. He would benefit from a parent who is able to be self-reflective and be a model of humility, accepting responsibility for one's own actions instead of blaming others or being punitive.

In a nutshell, Antony needs a family that is wholly devoted to him and his well-being; therefore he would do best in a home without other children so the parents can focus on his needs. Parenting Antony will require a great deal of patience, time and attention and he needs a family that can celebrate his successes and appreciate him for the wonderful boy he is. Antony needs a family who is able to turn their world upside down for him. In turn, Antony will bring that family joy, laughter and love.

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

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