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/.

Dezziray

Age: 12

Profile and portrait provided by NWAE.

Dezziray is a sweet, loving and wonderfully compassionate girl with beautiful brilliant blue eyes and an amazing smile!! "Dezzi", as she prefers to be called, yearns for a family that includes a mom (and maybe a dad) - a family who is active and likes to spend time together doing fun things.

Dezzi views herself as shy but gets along easily with others. She is incredibly artistic and loves being creative. She is very talented and often colors beautiful pictures which she unselfishly offers as sweet gestures! She sees herself as more of a "city" girl, and loves to ride her bike, but will indulge in rural settings if it means she gets to go camping. She wants to play and be active, doing things like roller skating and ice skating. She loves water parks and gardening. Dezzi doesn't like things "too girly" and she doesn't like being bored! A couple of her favorite things to eat are French dip sandwiches and a snack called "Takis". She doesn't like chicken or turkey, but she loves egg burritos!!

Dezzi admits she doesn't care for school, but she still tries to do her very best! She receives educational support to help her reach her goals, and is very proud when she has a "good" day. Dezzi will need a parent to advocate for her success in school, working collaboratively with her teachers and school support staff, and finding creative ways to inspire her and make learning fun. Dezzi has the potential to achieve greater success in school with the right environment and supports.

Dezzi is participating in therapeutic supports to help her process past trauma, and will benefit from a family who will also support her participation and growth there. She absolutely has the potential to be a wonderful addition to the right, nurturing, big hearted and very understanding family.

There are important members of Dezzi's birth family who she has continued to stay in contact with despite her time in care. One sibling in particular represents a strong connection, and it will be essential to Dezzi's health and harmony that she be able to continue to maintain their relationship in safe and appropriate ways. This may mean that she will need to stay in close proximity to the Northwest so that she has access to visiting. Staying connected and present with these members of her family will be essential for Dezzi to prevent any additional loss in her future. Because Dezziray is not yet legally free to be adopted, inquiring parents will need to have a homestudy completed and ready to be sent to her State worker for review and consideration.

Dezzi has made attachments to her current caregiver family, demonstrating that she has the ability to form healthy attachments. It will likely be difficult for Dezzi to transition to her new home, and her new family should be able to provide structure, yet remain flexible in their approach to parenting. A family will need to be patient and have an understanding of the impact trauma has on children's development and attachment. With patience and understanding, and therapeutic support, Dezzi will be able to properly and fully mourn her losses and move on with her life with the guidance and protection of her forever family. Adoptive families interested in Dezzi need to be able to advocate for her needs, provide consistency in their interactions and love her for who she chooses to be. Additionally, parents should strongly consider receiving training and coaching around collaborative problem solving.

Dezzi wants a Mom to love her and give her hugs, a mom she can talk to, and who is really nice. She likes the idea of being an only child with a single mom, but a Dad for Dezzi would have an amazing impact in her life. He would need to be patient, kind and follow Dezzi's lead. She loves lots of animals and would love to have a dog. Dezzi loves cleaning projects and being helpful, but admits that her room can be messy!

Dezzi needs a family that is active, one that goes places and does fun things. Dezzi is a child who wants to be part of a family and who needs people in her life that are consistent and non-judgmental. A family who is willing to stay the course when days get rough will be able to help Dezzi establish meaningful and trusting relationships. This young girl deserves the opportunity to be a part of a family that will love her unconditionally.

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

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