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/.

Hunter & Payton

Age: 8 & 10

Portrait and profile provided by NWAE.

Hunter and Payton are two very cute young boys who are full of energy and love to play outdoors. The boys have big brown eyes and wonderful smiles. Hunter is the oldest sibling of the boys. He loves sports such as soccer, basketball and football. He loves playing tag and playing at parks. Hunter is more reserved and slow to warm up, but once a relationship is formed he is very kind and affectionate. Hunter also has a bit of an artistic side; he loves to draw, sing, and dance, and especially loves to dance to Katy Perry and Michael Jackson. Hunter says that he would like "a mom and dad that are nice." He also wants to have other kids in the home that are his age, a big yard and a dog to play with!

Payton has a great sense of humor and bright smile. He is constantly making people laugh. Like his brother, he also loves to sing, dance and play outside. Payton is very outgoing and charming and does not shy away from speaking with people. He can be very affectionate and likes to give hugs. He is a very bright boy and loves to read. Payton says that he, too, wants a home with a mom and a dad that are nice. He also wants a trampoline!

Both boys love attention and look up to male role models who can play sports and fun games with them. They are also equally charming and engaging with adult females. When Hunter and Payton turn on their charm and show their polite manners, they are pretty irresistible.

With therapeutic supports in place, both at school and at home, both boys are making great progress. While they have struggled with sibling rivalry, with the extra help, the boys' relationship has been improving and is becoming more similar to that of a normal sibling relationship.

Both boys are very bright and on track academically, but struggle with their behaviors in school and have required extra supports. Both boys benefit from parental guidance to help them stay safe and make good choices. Lately, Hunter has been verbalizing that he does not want to be in foster care and wants a family. It is believed that some of Hunter's anxiety and big emotions will dissipate once he is placed in a permanent home.

Payton has been in the same foster home for over a year and has consistently made improvements; Payton's challenges around high energy, attention span and impulsiveness have improved. He has made tremendous progress in practicing safe behavior and managing his emotions but still requires a lot of redirection.

Hunter and Payton have adjusted to foster care differently and have different transition needs. Hunter will require a much slower transition than Payton, although Payton will require a bit of transition as he has been placed with his current foster parents for over a year. Prospective families should be willing to invest the time and patience in allowing Hunter to grieve his losses, as well as time to adjust to the new home and bond with the new family. The children also have other birth family relatives with whom they will want to stay connected. Engagement in the children's counseling is highly recommended.

Prospective families should possess the following attributes and qualities in considering the adoption:

• It is highly recommended that the family does not have any children that are younger than Hunter.
• A family that is willing and able to engage both children in mental health services both during and after the adoptive placement.
• A family that can provide the children with a high level of structure, consistency and boundaries.
• A family that is willing to learn about each boy's unique needs and behaviors and that has the skills to meet those needs.
• A family who is able to equally bond with each boy and recognize their personality differences without displaying favoritism.

Because these siblings are not legally free, interested families need to be licensed for foster care and have an approved adoption homestudy completed.

Hunter and Payton need an experienced family that has the skills, time and patience to meet their needs. It is also important the family have an understanding of how abuse and neglect can impact a child's development, sense of well being and trust. Hunter and Payton are a great sibling pair and need parents who can provide them with the stability and love that they so much deserve. The family that is lucky enough to parent these two will be rewarded with two boys that are full of life, love and two unique, quirky and endearing personalities. There is no doubt that Hunter and Payton will truly thrive in the right home and environment. They are terrific kids!

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

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