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/.

Tamesha

Age: 10

"Hi, my name is Tamesha. The best things you should know about me are that I'm sweet, kind and I love to do arts and crafts. I like Math and Reading. Spelling is not my favorite. I like going to the park, playing with dolls, playing games like Sorry and UNO, working puzzles, and swimming.

I want to go places with my family like camping and to Disneyland. We could also color together and go swimming. I would love a dog, too. I want to be the only child or with older siblings because it makes me feel safe. I really want a mom who appreciates safe hugs and knowing what the rules are. I might like a dad who will love me."

Tamesha is a friendly, engaging child who will be celebrating her 10th birthday soon. Adults often comment on her adorable freckles and expressive brown eyes, She wears her soft brown hair in cornbraids and beads to express pride in her African-American and Caucasian roots. Her adoptive family could fortify that pride by learning and participating in both cultures.

Tamesha has had many losses in her young life. She would benefit from parents who have knowledge in the areas of boundary setting with young children, as well as understanding behavioral challenges children face when they have been exposed to violence. Tamesha finds comfort in a safety plan that follows when she leaves her home environment. It protects her from inappropriate content in movies or television and reduces anxiety over choices.

Tamesha has a great sense of humor and continues to grow with appropriate social supports. As she approaches the fifth grade, her academic skills are improving within a behavioral classroom at school.

Tamesha would benefit from the focused attention she might get from an active, childless family. Parent(s) who have skills in providing clear, consistent rules and appropriate consequences will be highly sought by her adoption team. They might also be impressed with knowledge of community resources and plans to assist in working through past traumas. Tamesha wants her family to consider some level of contact with her three younger siblings, who are placed adoptively. If you are a parent who has patience, time and lots of energy to advocate for the services Tamesha needs, you may have the honor of watching this sweet child reach her full potential as a woman.

Tamesha is available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information, call the Idaho CareLine, 1-800-926-2588 or 2-1-1 inside Idaho.

Portraits by Moffett

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