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/.

Johnny & Makenzie

Ages: 10-11

Profile and portrait provided by NWAE.

John "Johnny" and Makenzie are siblings who are looking for a home where they can be adopted together. These siblings would do best in an environment that is calm, predictable and tailored to their needs. They are a fun-loving pair!

Johnny is a loveable and caring boy who has a happy disposition. Johnny is initially shy, but warms up quickly. He can be both friendly and outgoing but also strong-willed. He makes it known when he does not want to do something, or when he is feeling frustrated. Johnny thrives with a routine and will adapt to changes in his routine with "notice". Preferring the comfort and stability of a regular routine, Johnny can feel unsettled and often needs some reassurance. Before new or even daily events, he needs to be reminded and walked through the event so that he doesn't become surprised or frustrated. Johnny has a healthy appetite, and likes to try new foods.

Makenzie is a beautiful little girl with blonde hair and green eyes. She smiles a lot and is very loving and empathetic towards her brother, foster siblings, and others. Makenzie loves the attention she receives from trusted adults, and sometimes wants it all and does not want to share the spotlight. Johnny and Makenzie are in overall good health. They seek regular medical, dental, and vision appointments.

Johnny and Makenzie are working on getting to their age appropriate level academically. Both children currently have supports in place at their school in order to help them move closer to grade level. They will need to be in a school setting with supportive school staff and caregivers to ensure that future services are being offered and someone is advocating for them.

Johnny is blind in his right eye and has undergone several surgical procedures. It was determined that he will never have sight in that eye. Adoptive parents will need to ensure that he visits an optometrist regularly for preventative care.

Johnny also has symptoms consistent with the condition of mild cerebral palsy that affect his gross motor skills. He has been participating in therapies that have helped him to improve his skills in this area. It is extremely important that he remain active on a daily basis so his muscles stay limber. He needs to be part of a family who will work with him to ensure that he keeps busy and does exercises/stretches regularly.

Johnny and Makenzie are part of a larger sibling group, and have a strong relationship with these select members of their birth family. It is recommended that they be able to maintain these connections. Interested adoptive families should consider their ability to foster these relationships in healthy and appropriate ways. The children need a permanent family that will become a part of the larger "extended family" that includes the adoptive parents who are raising their siblings. They need to know that they are safe and that their brothers and sister are safe as well. They also have a strong bond with their current caregiver family, so adoptive parents may find that encouraging this relationship to continue will benefit the children and their transition to adoption. Johnny and Makenzie are legally free to be adopted.

Makenzie and Johnny have experienced several placements and haven't always lived together. Now, with the stability they have experienced with their current placement both children have shown that they are able to be a part of a family together and their needs are able to be met as a sibling group. The foster parents have also participated in some special and specific parenting strategies with both Johnny and Makenzie. If an adoptive family is selected, several of the videos between the children and the foster family can be used to assist in transition. The current foster family, and one of Johnny and Makenzie's sibling's adoptive parent, are willing to support any family that is interested in being a permanent resource for Johnny and Makenzie.

Johnny and Makenzie would do best in a two-parent home with children who are similar in age or older to help set an example for them. Both children are very busy and require parents who are able to provide them ongoing support, supervision and attention. They are used to a structured routine within the family. They do well with lists posted in the home of what is expected of them (i.e. chores, rewards, reading, etc.). They may struggle with adjusting to a new environment as they thrive in a more predictable setting.

Since Johnny and Makenzie have been in several placements since they were brought into care, the adoptive parents will need to have some understanding of attachment processes and transitions. Johnny and Makenzie may require a slow, intentional transition. Any potential adoptive resource needs to be prepared to spend time visiting Johnny and Makenzie in their environment and slowly begin to transition them into their new family and home.

Johnny and Makenzie request a family where they will have brothers and sisters, and really want to continue contact with their current foster family through phone calls and letters.

To find out more about Evander, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30562.

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