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/.

Tara & Liam

Ages: 5-6

Tara and Liam are two very endearing siblings who need a family to call their own. They have a strong bond to each other: although Tara is the oldest, Liam tends to take on more of the big brother role, often worrying about Tara and taking care of her. Tara is also aware of Liam and tries hard to please him and watch out for him. This pair are very active and both have unique needs, challenges, and gifts.

Tara is a petite girl with a big smile and heart. She is in a generalized first grade classroom, but does have a full time aide at school due to cognitive delays. She enjoys school, but struggles to read and write. She can spell her name, but cannot yet write it. Tara enjoys puzzles and board games, and memory matching games are her favorite. She also likes to play outdoors and especially likes to slide. She loves princesses and is most fond of Snow White. Tara likes cats and was excited to get a stuffed Cat from Build-a-Bear. Tara's favorite color is pink, and she was happy about getting a pink helmet for her new bike, something else that she enjoys doing. Tara likes to have her hair brushed and will let her foster mom fix it up with pretty bows and barrettes.

Liam is a bright young boy who likes preschool and is doing well there. He knows his alphabet and can count to 33! He likes football and is a big Pittsburgh Steeler's fan. Liam also enjoys playing board games like Chutes and Ladders, Candy Land, and Hi Ho Cheery O. He likes to draw, loves Lightning McQueen from the movie Cars, and says his name is Lightning McQueen Liam. Liam's favorite thing to do is have his hair colored. His hair had green tips for his day with Wednesday's Child, but he was excited to return home where he was planning to dye it yellow with black tips for…. you guessed it….. the Pittsburg Steelers!

Tara and Liam are sweet, endearing children, but they do not come without challenges. Extreme early childhood trauma has left these children with many special needs. Tara's cognitive delays, coupled with fetal alcohol exposure, and early trauma, will require skilled parents who can make a lifelong commitment to her, as her ability for independent living has not yet been determined. She will need continued medication management as well as counseling services. Liam has difficultly sleeping and is often up in the night. He can have melt downs and tantrums when he does not get his way. The children have been in the same foster home for two years, and they have made great progress with this stability, but their attachment to their foster parents appears to be limited. Liam and Tara both have several food allergies as well as seasonal allergies, and Liam has an EpiPen.

The adoption team is looking for a two-parent family where these children can be the youngest. A family with parenting experience is preferred. Parents will need to be consistent and have the ability to be flexible within established structures and routines. They will also need to be able to provide constant supervision of the children. Energy, patience, and a sound knowledge of a variety of emotional and physical special needs is a must. If you feel you have what it takes to parent these sweet children, the adoption team wants to hear from you. A lifetime of delightful surprises from parenting Tara and Liam is sure to await you!

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

Tara & Liam are available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information or more about details about adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1.

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