Window on the Clearwater
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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/.

Benjamin

Age: 14

"My name is Benjamin, but my friends call me Ben. I like sports, especially baseball and soccer. I'm pretty good at baseball. I like video games, board games, camping, fishing...pretty much anything outdoors. I also really like doing tricks on my bike. I've never been on a plane and hope to someday. I would like to be a pilot when I grow up."

"I'm a pretty good kid, and I actually like doing my homework. I want to be in a real family and live in it the rest of my life. I want to be treated fairly, like other kids are, and do stuff that other kids get to do. Mostly I want to stop moving and not go from family to family. It's kind of annoying. I also want a family that is active and likes doing things outdoors."

"I have two sisters who live in Idaho that I want to stay in touch with. I would love a mom that is caring, friendly, and encourages me to do things. I hope to get a dad that is active, strict when he needs to be, and loves having fun."

Ben learns best when he can have a hands-on experience. He loves to work with his hands, building, and taking things apart. He is also good with computers, digital cameras and other technological gadgets.

He likes to be helpful by doing chores and says his favorite chore is cleaning the sidewalks. His least favorite is mopping the floor. Ben has a strong desire to please and to be in a committed family who will love and accept him as he is.

Ben's favorite subjects in school are Math, Science and History. He loved learning about History last year, and mentioned what he learned about a few greats like Benjamin Franklin (they do have the same name after all) Albert Einstein and Teddy Roosevelt.

His caseworker describes him as a very inquisitive boy who enjoys learning. She also commented that he has a smile that will melt your heart. He is very busy and needs structured activity and outlets for his energy.

Because he can be easily distracted, Ben generally does well with encouraging prompts to help him stay focused on the task at hand. This would work well at home as well as in his classes.

Ben can be a very compassionate and sensitive boy. He is learning to express frustration in words rather than actions. He will do best in a family that can be patient with him as he learns to express feelings and emotions appropriately. A parent who teaches through natural consequences might be a great match for this young man.

Ben has been cared for by multiple caretakers in his life; therefore, his need for safety and stability is strong. At least one at-home parent after school could supervise and participate with him in activities that build on his strengths. A firm, yet loving parent could model respect and boundaries that will help this pre-teen through his adolescent years. He would do best as the youngest or only child in a family.

Parents with a good understanding of mental health issues, very active children, and who are committed to continued counseling and medicine management are a must. The adoption team's preference is for a two parent family, but a well qualified single parent will also be considered. A family will also need to be willing to help Ben maintain contact with his two younger sisters who are in adoptive placements in Idaho.

If you are a family that has the energy, love, commitment and stamina to parent this sensitive, busy young man, you may be just the parent Ben is hoping for and dreaming about.

Portrait by Expressions by Aimee Photography

To find out more about Benjamin, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30278.

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

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Lewiston 208-503-7107
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