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/.

Katie

Age: 15

"Hi. My name is Katie. I'm fifteen years old, and I want to find a family that will love me, keep me safe, give me rules and boundaries, but still let me do the things I enjoy, like cooking, arts and crafts, swimming and singing, and also doing normal teenage stuff like going to dances and hanging out with my friends. When I think about the perfect family for me, I think that family would have a mom and dad and younger siblings. They would live on a farm, ranch, or vineyard, have lots of flowers and animals (except for pigs cuz they kind of freak me out!), and I would REALLY love to have my own horse! I dream of being a cheerleader and learning gymnastics, and I would love to be a princess in a rodeo or a parade."

"I have siblings and friends in Southern Idaho who are important to me. I hope my new family will help me stay in touch with them. I need a family that will be there for me and won't give up on me -- ever. I want my new parents to come to my activities at school and to pay attention to me. I know that I really need that. They will also need to be patient with me as I learn to trust them, let them take care of me, and feel safe with them. I've had a lot of adults in my life who let me down and disappointed me, so I might not trust a new family right away."

Those who know Katie best described her as caring, fun-loving, and shy at first. But when she feels comfortable, she can be very talkative and social. She gets along well with other kids, as well as adults. She wants parents who can help her realize her dream of absolute stability, even on days that seem bumpy.

Katie's new family will need to understand the effects that abuse and neglect have on children. It would be helpful if Katie's "forever family" researched information about the attachment challenges children in the foster care system face. A family who is patient, objective, non-reactive and non-judgmental would be a great match for this resilient survivor. With the right family cheering her on, Katie will come to know the rewards of a permanent, loving family who is always on her side.

Portrait by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Katie, 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: 30422.

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