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/.

Joshua

Age: 12

"My name is Joshua. My friends call me Josh. I like basketball, soccer, baseball, video games and computer games. My favorite Internet site is Nickelodeon. I like broccoli, crab and shrimp. My favorite subject in school is science. Writing is my least favorite.

I really want a family that will do things together like go to the movies, camping or just cook together in the kitchen. It would be nice to have a mom who bakes cookies and is there when I get home. I'd like a dad that goes hunting or fishing with me. I'd like being the oldest in the family so I could help the younger kids, or I could have older brothers and sisters who help me. I don't want to be an only child.

Someday I would like to try snowboarding. I would also like to have a dog-a lab."

Josh will never be accused of being a couch potato-he's always in motion! This friendly boy plays well with younger children and engages easily with adults, as well. Zero in on subjects of interest and Josh will warm to you quickly. He loves to talk, and he likes to be helpful, too. When he's not sharing tips with his friends related to video or computer games, he's climbing, jumping, riding or swimming.

A Cub Scout recently promoted to Boy Scout, Josh has loved earning scouting badges at campouts and other activities. That's where he learned to make and treat his foster family to delicious pancakes.

Mentoring relationships are important to Josh. His foster mom has played an important role in his struggles to catch up in school and to make and keep new friends. Now he's ready for permanent parents who know how important it is to stay in touch with family and friends while forging new family relationships.

While Josh is understandably fearful of being let down or abandoned, his mental health therapist and his current foster parent report an ability to trust again and to form attachments. He would do well with experienced, mature parents who genuinely enjoyed their children as adolescents.

Josh tells us that he wants grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lots of friends. He wants to stay connected to his two brothers, one a biological sibling and the other an adoptive sibling.

If you have deep reserves of patience and concern for a boy who has experienced many disappointments, yet still gets excited about new adventures, you could be the ally and mentor Josh needs. He has so much enthusiasm for life-he is bound to teach you a thing or two!

Joshua is available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information, please contact the Idaho CareLine at 1-800-926-2588.

Portraits by Moffett

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