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/.

Kendall

Age: 12

"Hi, my name is Kendall. I really want a permanent family. I want to stay connected to my aunt and my sister, too. They live in Alabama.

I like football. I play lineman on my team. I love Boise State and watch all their games on TV when I can. I like all kinds of outdoor activities like camping and fishing. I also like playing video games, bowling and listening to music on an iPod. My Gameboy was lost or stolen, so I'm hoping to get an iPod Shuffle or Gameboy for Christmas. I'll be a lot more careful next time!

I would like a family with a mom and dad or just a dad. It would be OK if I was the only child or with older brothers and sisters.

I would like to have a medium-sized dog someday like a Cocker Spaniel. I love animals and want to be a veterinarian. I like Science and Math, so that should help when I get to college. I'll need good grades to be a vet. I get A's, B's and C's in school."

Kendall's case manager says she is very impressed with this young man. He has a great sense of humor. He is also very inquisitive; not at all afraid to ask adults to explain something he doesn't understand. Adults appreciate his ability to carry on a conversation, especially when he's gotten over his initial shyness with strangers. Kendall's caution is understandable; he has felt deep disappointments. He hopes his new family can rebuild his trust in lasting, supportive relationships.

Kendall needs one or two parents who teach through positive example and encouragement. His parent(s) may need to access community resources such as follow-through with orthodontic appointments over the next two years. Lots of activities and participation in sports would be a plus!

By providing chores, positive reinforcement and lots of give-and-take humor, Kendal will continue to make progress in areas of expressing his needs and also deepening his sense of the needs of others. He responds well to a flexible style of parenting where clear boundaries and rules are detailed, while at the same time Kendall's feelings, requests for clarification and reasonable requests are encouraged and valued.

If you are someone who understands what is needed to help a teen move towards the interdependence, you may be the special individual or couple Kendall is looking for. Your life could also be blessed as he learns to rely on rock-solid family relationships.

Kendall 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: 30224.

Portraits by Moffett Photography

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