Window on the Clearwater
Traditional news Today's technology
wednesdayhead.JPG - 4404 Bytes

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/.

Tristen

Age: 4

Profile and Portrait provided by NWAE (Northwest Adoption Exchange).

Tristen is a darling boy who is very smart and inquisitive. He has a good sense of humor, too, and can be really funny. Active and sociable, Tristen loves swimming, riding his bike, and watching Disney and other children's movies. His favorite movie is Madagascar, and he's a big fan of Scooby-Doo, too. Tristen loves school and his foster mom tells us that he is "very teachable." He already has an extensive vocabulary for his age, knows his colors and can count to ten. Tristen likes to be held and appreciates affection.

For a child who may have some residual developmental and educational needs related to drug exposure prenatally, Tristen has some nice strengths. It will, though, be important for his adoptive parent(s) to monitor his progress to make sure that he has whatever services are needed to reach his developmental and educational milestones.

Currently, Tristen attends counseling and has a skills trainer who comes to his foster home to work with him and his foster parents. He also receives Early Intervention services and attends an Early Intervention classroom two days a week. His most challenging behavior right now is his high energy and his sometimes difficulty focusing and being attentive.

Tristen thrives on structure and consistency at home and in his preschool classroom, and having a caring adult nearby to coach and redirect him if needed is very helpful and supportive. At play, Tristen can get too rough at time with other kids, especially if they all want the same plaything.

Legally free, Tristen went back and forth between his parents' homes, relative care, and foster homes several times from 2007 until his current foster placement in December 2010. He is doing very well in the care of his foster family who has a good understanding of his needs and how to parent him.

It has been determined by professional staffing that Tristen and his siblings will function in healthier ways if they are raised in separate homes. Tristen has four siblings: an adult sibling lives on his own; a younger sibling is being adopted by a relative; an older sibling is transitioning into his adoptive placement; and another older sibling will live permanently with the maternal grandmother. Tristen visits regularly with his siblings and maternal grandmother and other extended family, and he will be counting on his adoptive parent(s) to help him maintain these significant connections.

Tristen would do well in a family where he can be an only child or the youngest of a few older children who look forward to having a younger sibling. Older kids who have good social and family skills could give him a nice boost forward. Tristen needs a family who can meet his individual needs with patience, calmness, understanding and nurturing, and who will provide the structure, daily routine, and clear rules, expectations, and limits that help him feel secure. Lots of individual time and attention will be important in helping Tristen make a successful transition into his adoptive home. Transitions tend to be difficult for him.

To find out more about Tristen, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. Tristen is available for adoption through the State of Oregon.

Wednesday's Child Archives...

Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544

Telephone:
Orofino 476-0733
Fax: 208-476-4140

Email