Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater joined the Wednesday's Child network a little more than a year ago 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/.

Sierra

Age: 7

"Hi, I'm Sierra. My favorite colors are pink and purple. I'm going to be Cinderella for Halloween. I like animals, especially kitties, polar bears and pandas. I like to go to the park and swing gentle, not high. At school I swing in the tire swing. It twists up and makes me feel sick, but I do it anyway.

I want a keeping family tomorrow! Will you be my mom? You could take me to the park and the zoo and the store, and keep me safe. Maybe I will have sisters.

Someday I am going to be a mom and a teacher. I like passing out paper and scissors."

Deborah, Sierra's worker, has known her for the three years she's been in protective care. She describes her as "open, smart, able to express herself, someone who listens to and follows prompts." These gentle prompts help her transition into new experiences and work through unexpected changes in routine. This enchanting child warms quickly to adults--sometimes without protecting herself. She is learning to stay in a caretaker's line of vision and show affection in safe ways such as "side hugs" and "high-fives."

Sierra has amazed everyone this past year. After receiving individualized therapy in a clinical setting, she is learning about triggers to anger, fear and anxiety. "She will need ongoing assistance in this area, but her progress has been phenomenal," said Deborah. "She's ready to transition from her 'helping family' into a 'keeping family.'" Sierra has achieved her greatest progress with therapeutic foster moms. Her adoption and treatment team prefers that positive male role models gradually become a part of her extended family life, rather than within her home. They are considering a matriarchal family with either no children or much older daughters. Female adults in the home such as aunts or grandmothers would also be beneficial if they could be patient with Sierra. Sought-after traits will be experience/knowledge of trauma work, insight and intuition in responding to special needs. The use of prompts, redirection, empathy, attention and medication follow-through will be so important to Sierra's continued healing.

If you are a flexible parent who values routine rather than regimentation, Sierra will readily share her heart with you. If you have the "stick-to-it-ness" this little Cinderella deserves in that first transitional year, you could be a part of a storybook ending for this awsome daughter!

Sierra is available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information, please contact the Idaho CareLine at 1-800-926-2588.

Portrait by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studio

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