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/.

Tony

Age: 10

"My name is Tony, and I love the outdoors. I'd like a family that will take me fishing and hunting. I like playing video games, but I like being outside having fun even more. I enjoy football, basketball and baseball. My favorite team is the Denver Broncos.

When I'm older, I want to be a pilot and fly fighter jets for the Air Force. I wrote a letter to the Air Force Commander. He wrote back and encouraged me to get good grades and make good decisions."

Tony is a very likeable young man who is quick to smile at others. He is an active boy who enjoys camping and fishing. While he likes television and video games, he will always choose an outdoor activity, if possible. His caregivers describe him as sensitive and sentimental, and have helped him better express his feelings and emotions. His teachers describe him as very creative, and he does reasonably well in school. Because Tony struggles at times with self-esteem issues, he has been known to give up easily if he thinks something will take too long or is too hard.

When asked what kind of family he would like, Tony said he wants a mom, a dad and a dog. He said he would be fine being the only child. Tony needs a family with experience parenting as well as an ability to hold him accountable when he makes poor choices. A family who can balance this with a good amount of caring and nurturing would be good for Tony. He also thrives on predictability and structure and would do best in a family with older children or brothers near his age.

Tony's oppositional behavior indicates the deep emotional scars he bears. Parents will need to be patient, even if Tony resorts to running away and hiding. They will also need to support him with his therapy and medications, which have made a dramatic difference in his ability to handle situations better. He is anxious to be placed in a permanent home with a family who has a firm committment to adopting him.

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Tony, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30381.

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