Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater recently 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/.

Age: 11

"Hi. I like to be called Tom. I just turned 11 years old. What I really need in a family is someone who would take care of me and really likes me. I want a mom or a dad who won't give up on me when I'm having a bad day. I've had a lot of changes in my life, and I need someone who will stay.

I hope my adoptive family loves big dogs and animals like I do. I really want a dog of my own. Someday I want to be a veterinarian.

I like playing Sorry, Uno and other games. I like playing with my friends."

Described as kindhearted, forgiving and very talkative, Tom gets along well with most adults. He's a charming child who seeks approval; an endearing trait that tends to mask challenges related to Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). If his adoptive family is to help him succeed, they must be realistic about the focused psychological support he may need into adulthood. SSI payments will help with extra community resources and the activities that build Tom's self-esteem. Most of all, he will respond to daily "belonging" reassurances and acceptance of who he is now rather than folks who expect love to conquer all. If you are secure in your own world, Tom's endearing ways will be reward indeed for the extra commitment that's required.

Tom is learning how to build social skills and personal boundaries that help with the complexities of friendships. He tells us he would enjoy having older brothers or sisters as mentors as he learns those skills. He would also do well as an only child with lots of attention. Single and non-traditional moms and dads with exceptional parenting talent will be considered by Tom's adoption caseworker, as will a traditional mom-and-dad team. Pets would be a plus for this tender-hearted boy who wants to be a veterinarian some day.

Tom has reported Native American (Cherokee) heritage through paternal grandparents. His adoptive family could help him honor both sides of his heritage as he is forming his identity. In a treatment setting and in school classes, Tom is learning to express disappointment in constructive ways. Consistency and a predictable daily routine have led to many breakthroughs. He is nearly finished with his program and is eager to join a permanent family. His adoption social worker is looking for a family with realistic expectations and a plan for working with professionals in their local community. Tom's strength is his ability to hope for a better future. He still believes that there may be a family "who really likes me" and will endure. His loving personality could bring so much warmth to the right kind of family!

Tommy is available for adoption through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. To find out more about adoption, call the Idaho CareLine at 1-800-926-2588 or within Idaho at 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30201.

Portraits by Aaron Frizzell Photography

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