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/.

Dominick & Courtney

Ages: 3 - 5

These two energetic siblings will melt your heart when you see them walking together hand-in-hand. They love and need each other, even when they are competing for your attention. Dominick and Courtney are learning new adaptive behaviors that need the patience and non-reactive emotions of a calm couple with no other younger children. A fun, creative, firm-but-not-permissive parenting style is a must!

Dominick

"My name is Dominick and I'm in Kindergarten. Do you want to be my dad and mom? I'm keeping the garage door of my heart open. I like to race toy cars and dress up like an army guy. I would like to fish and hunt. I love to swim and play on the trampoline and ride my bike. Can you run fast. I could beat you in a race!"

Dominick wants to know and please most adults he meets. He strives for attention and thrives on positive reinforcement. He needs parents who can be patient, creative, empathetic and committed.

Described as "all boy," Dominick enjoys having lots of space to run and play. He is a very active, impulsive child who needs close supervision. A couple with no younger children would do well with Dominick and his younger sister, Courtney.

Dominick's adoption team is especially interested in hearing from potential parents who understand how multiple moves and losses in a child's life can impact early development. He needs an emotionally mature couple who, with community and extended family supports in place, will focus their firm, yet flexible family skills on Dominick and his sister.

Are you able to model empathy even when Dominick is testing boundaries? Even when he is receiving a consequence, he needs to know that he is loved and his relationship is secure.

Dominick's social worker is committed to ensuring that he and his sister are adopted together. Both deserve a dad and a mom who are solid in their determination to learn with and love these children for a lifetime.

Watch next week for more about Courtney.

Courtney and Dominick need to be the only children in the family or have only young adult sibling(s) who will help rather than resent the extra attention these children will require, especially during the first few years. Adoptive parents must be a cooperative team who are on the same page when it comes to seeking help for the children and themselves during difficult times. That will require a strong, supportive network and respite plans for parents who may need a break now and then.

For the right couple, these children could bring many triumphs as they learn to trust a reliable circle of safety, certainty and unconditional love.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

To find out more about Dominick and Courtney, call the Idaho CareLine number, 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30328.

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